In a thrilling Group A encounter at the SAFF Championship, Nepal showcased their persistence and ended their campaign on a high note by defeating Pakistan 1-0. The match, held on Tuesday, saw Nepal’s Aashish Chaudhary emerge as the hero, breaking the deadlock in the 80th minute and sealing Pakistan’s fate of leaving the tournament without a win. Both Nepal and Pakistan had already been eliminated from the race for a semifinal berth after losing their previous matches.
The first half of the game witnessed a relatively subdued performance from both teams, as they struggled to find their rhythm and range. However, Nepal managed to maintain superior possession throughout this phase. The intensity of the game picked up in the second half as both Nepal and Pakistan pushed forward in search of a breakthrough.
Nepal had the first clear chance of the second half when a cross from the right wing found Nawayug Shrestha unmarked. Unfortunately, his header sailed over the bar, denying Nepal an early lead. Undeterred, Nepal continued their relentless attacks and came close to scoring in the 60th minute. Manish Dangi had an opportunity to put the ball past Pakistan goalkeeper Yousuf Ijaz Butt, but his weak shot was parried away.
As the clock ticked away, Nepal’s Sanish Shrestha showcased his playmaking prowess by delivering a delightful free-kick that curled towards the Pakistan goal. However, luck was not on Nepal’s side, as the shot ricocheted off the woodwork, denying them a goal once again.
When it seemed like the match was destined for a goalless draw, Sanish Shrestha played a crucial role in breaking the deadlock. With a perfectly timed through pass, he found Aashish Chaudhary inside the box. Demonstrating excellent composure, Aashish deftly pushed the ball beneath the diving Yousuf, giving Nepal a well-deserved 1-0 lead.
In their pursuit of an equalizer, Pakistan adopted a relentlessly attacking approach, leaving spaces for Nepal to exploit. Despite having a few more opportunities to double their lead, Nepal couldn’t capitalize on them. The match concluded with both teams falling short in their respective ventures.
Nepal’s victory serves as a testament to their tenacity and determination, providing a positive end to their SAFF Championship journey. With impressive displays of skill and unwavering spirit, Nepal has demonstrated their potential to compete at the highest level.