Players of Nepal and Pakistan vying for a ball. (Photo: Saroj Nepal)
Two-time champion Nepal lost to Pakistan in the first match of the group stage under the SAFF U-19 Championship on Thursday.
Nepal lost to Pakistan by 1-0 in the match held at Dasharath Stadium in Tripureshwar this evening.
The lone goal scored by Ali Zafar in the 76th minute of the match became decisive for Pakistan’s win over Nepal.
Pakistan, who played U-19 for the first time, made a flying start by defeating Nepal at the latter’s home ground.
In the ninth minute of the game, Muhammad Adil's free kick went off the top of the post. In the 11th minute, Samir Tamang's shot from Kushal Deuba's pass failed to reach the post.
In the 27th minute, Shah Jahan's free kick was saved by goalkeeper Ziarat Sheikh.
Goalkeeper and captain Ziarat Sheikh performed brilliantly for Nepal, who played under some pressure in the first half. But he could not stop Ali Zafar's ball in the second half.
Nepal is in Group 'A' including Pakistan and Maldives. In the second match of the group stage, Nepal will play Maldives on Monday.
In the first match of Group 'A' today, India defeated Bangladesh 3-0.
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