Nepal lose in semi-finals

Lalitpur, November 1

Nepal suffered a 4-0 defeat at the hands of Pakistan, while Bangladesh beat India 4-2 on penalties in the semi-final matches of the SAFF U-15 Football Championship here at the ANFA Complex grounds today.

Pakistan took a lead through an own goal from Nepali defender Jaan Limbu in the 54th minute. Limbu put the ball into his own nets while trying to block a cross from Iftikhar Ahmed. Nepal received another blow four minutes later when they were also reduced to 10 men after Jaan Limbu was received a direct red card for a foul on Iftikhar Ahmed.

Nepal failed to overcome the twin blow and they conceded three more goals in the space of 17 minutes. Mohib Ullah doubled the tally in the 60th minute and netted his second goal of the match nine minutes later. Moin Ahmed killed the match with the team’s fourth goal in the 77th minute.

In another semi-final match, Bangladesh came from a goal down to edge past India in penalty shootout. Patre Harsh Shailesh put India ahead in the 17th minute with a scorcher from 35 yards out.

India were looking strong to make it to the final before Bangladesh earned a spot kick in the injury time. Substitute player, Md Ashikur Rahman converted the penalty to push the match to spot kick battle. Bangladesh netted four goals, while India managed just to in penalty shootout.

The third-place playoff and final matches are slated for Saturday.

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