Kathmandu, Aug. 19: Host Nepal began its SAFF U-20 Championship campaign with a 1-0 win against Sri Lanka in the tournament opener played at the ANFA Complex in Satdobato, Lalitpur, on Sunday.

Nepal created more than enough chances to extend the lead further since the beginning; however, the only goal scored in the 24th minute went on to be the decider as the opponent failed to score any.

Started with a throw-in from near the corner spot of Sri Lanka by Sabin Ghimire, the pass was sent towards the box with a bicycle kick from Samir Tamang. Sri Lanka’s midfielder Tenuka Ranaweera failed to clear the ball and Niranjan Dhami capitalised on the mistake to score the opening goal of the tournament.

Nepal had the chance to make it 2-0 in the next minute but Niraj Karki could not get his head to make contact with the ball following a cross from Tamang.

Until then, Nepal had created chances in the 12th, 15th and 19th minutes. As the host followed an attacking game plan, chances were created, but the lack of proper finishing was seen as a major setback.

Sri Lanka, with poor passes and failure to create chances, made two changes in the first half, after the goal, to change their style. Nepal slowed the game after taking the lead but Sri Lanka could not make a promising attack that troubled Nepali goalie Jiyarat Sheikh.

On the other hand, Sri Lanka’s goalkeeper Ahamde Shareef Mohammed Fulail was seen most devastated after the final whistle following the end of 90+6 minutes. Fulail made some great saves to prevent the lead from extending; meanwhile, as his teammates failed to return a goal, he was dissatisfied.

Sri Lanka’s coach and assistants were seen shouting throughout the match to communicate some tactics with the players, but a better playing Nepal was unmatched on the field.

Nepal will play the second and final group match against Bangladesh on August 22 while Sri Lanka will face Bangladesh two days prior on August 20. 

In Group B, India and Bhutan face each other on August 19, Bhutan vs Maldives on August 21 and India vs Maldives on August 23.