AFC U16 Qualifiers – Nepal Steal point with Second Half Comeback

Nepal launched a fine comeback to steal points from highly rated Iraq in a tough match played at Dasarath Rangashala.

Husam Hasan and Ameer Sabah set their side in motion with first-half strikes, however Bimal Gharti Magar and Anjan Bista inspired Nepal in to 2-2 draw in a brainstorming match.

Nepal started the game in impressive note, starting with attack very early. The home team came near to goal as near as in second minute through a corner which Ananta Tamang flicked well enough, but the Iraqi keeper was in better position to save the shot. Another attack came in the 7th minute where Hemant Thapa’s free kick was deflected by advancing keeper.

After fine display in starting moment in the game, Nepal lost the momentum and produced couple of mis-passes which Iraq utilized to put their names early in the game. Husam Hasan  went pass few Nepalese defender from the left side to score powerful shot from a tight angle ahead Rasaili’s hand.

Despite of mis-passes and loosing the ball too easy, Nepal got lots of opportunities in the form of corners and free kicks. Anjan Bistan found a delivered ball from the right in 35th minute which Bimal failed to connect, however Anjan missed great chance to equalize and missed chance firing the wall way over the target.

After couple of miss opportunities to come back in the game, Nepal conceded another goal in the added time of the half as Ameer Sabah was unstoppable in the counter attack who doubled the lead for Iraq just before the end of first half.

The second half remained remarkable for Nepal as they played improved game in the later half while Bimal Gharti Magar found the first goal for the home team through a cool finish, justifying Anil Rai’s through ball from midfield with a tremendous left footed shot.

The goal not only simulated the fans but also mounted pressure on Iraq who played quite defensive letting Nepal create one after another chance, however they almost got third goal in the game, however a powerful shot from Abdulhadi from 25 yards although got the target moving just inches ahead the cross bar.

Hemant Thapa almost scored a similar long ranger free kick as in SAFF championship just before two minutes when Anjan Bista scored in Hemant’s corner to find Nepal memorable equalizer. Nepal was able to hold the equalizer, gifted lucky moment in the game when Iraq missed to take the lead again in the game when Moshin missed an open post two minutes later after the equilizer.

With 4 points in two games, Nepal stand second in the group table only differentiated by goal difference and now has high chance to make into the final round of the tournament.

Bahrain defeated Turkmenistan 3-1 in the first match played at Rangashala. Bahrain took the lead in 12th minute after Marhoon netted early for the winning side. Metdayev equalized scoring 3 minutes later while Marhoon found his second goal scoring just before the end of first half. Shubbar affixed a goal in the lead scoring in 53rd  minute as the final score remained 3-1.

Watch Match Highlight

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