Nepal bounced back with a 4-0 victory over Bhutan in their second Group ‘A’ match of the Saff Championship football tournament at the Bangabandhu Stadium in Dhaka, Bangladesh on Thursday.

AnantaTamang’s stunning header off Sunil Bal’s corner gave Nepal 1-0 lead in the 21^st minute. Sunil Bal’s shot from a rebound found the back of net in the 70^th minute after Bimal Gharti Magar could not utilise the penalty. Nepal were awarded the spot-kick after Nima Wangdi of Bhutan fouled Nirajan Khadka in the D-box area.

Bhutan were reduced to 10 players after Wangdi was sent off for two yellow cards.

Substitute Bharat Khawas, who replaced Anjan Bista, extended the lead to 3-0 in the 79^th minute.Nirajan Khadka scored fourth goal from a header in the 88th minute from Bal’s corner.

Earlier, Nepal lost 2-1 to Pakistan to a last-gasp goal from Muhammad Ali. Bhutan went down 2-0 to hosts Bangladesh.

Goalkeeper Kiran Chemjong (Limbu) had led the Nepali team instead of regular captain Biraj Maharjan. This is Limbu’s first stint as the captain of the national football team.

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Saff Championship: Nepal take 1-0 lead against Bhutan at half-time

Ananta Tamang’s first-half goal gave Nepal 1-0 lead against Bhutan in the ongoing second Group ‘A’ match of the Saff Championship football tournament at the Bangabandhu Stadium in Dhaka on Thursday.

Tamang slipped through the Bhutanese defence lineup as he scored a spectacular header from a corner kick by SunalBal in 21^st minute.

Nepal enjoyed holding the ball for most of the first half and have been able to keep the Bhutanese attack at bay. However, despite creating many opportunities Nepal have failed to execute their plan owing to tight Bhutanese defence inside the D-box area.

Both the teams go into the match after losing their opening games with semi-final berth at stake.

Nepal lost 2-1 to Pakistan courtesy to a last-gasp goal from Muhammad Ali. Bhutan went down 2-0 to hosts Bangladesh. Victory would be key to both the teams in their bid to qualify for the semi-finals ahead of their final group games.

Goalkeeper KiranChemjong (Limbu) is leading the Nepali team instead of regular captain BirajMaharjan. This is Limbu’s first stint as the captain of the national football team.

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