SAFF Cup 2009: India edge out Nepal to reach semis
India Under 23 gave a spirited display and defeated Nepal by a solitary first half goal to record their second consecutive win in the SAFF Cup Championship 2009 being played at Bangbandhu National Stadium Dhaka on Monday.
Both the teams started on a cautious note needing a win in the match.Though both teams created few chances ,India clearly had the upper hand in the first half.India U 23 who had beaten Afghanistan 1-0 in their opening match of the championship gave an improved performance today and maintained pressure on the Nepalese throughout the first half.
The winning goal came in 18th minute through Jibon Singh.Robert’s free kick from the top of the box was punched by Nepalese custodian & a clearance from defender hit the bar and bounced back to Jibon whose touch was not clearly taken by Nepal keeper Bikash and the ball found the back of the net.
Nepal who had drawn their opening fixture 1-1 against defending champions Maldives started the second half on an aggressive note and launched a series of attacks on the Indian defence but Indian defence and the Custodian Arindam Bhattacharya in particular stood like a rock and did not give into tremendous pressure from Nepalese especially from Anil Gurung.
Needing desperately for an equaliser Nepal put all their resources in the last ten minutes but failed to beat ever agile Arindam ,who had once again an Outstanding performance under the bar.India could have doubled the lead in the injury time but a power header from substitute Jeje was brillianltly saved by Nepalese keeper.
With today’s win India have secured six points from two wins and move on top of the Group A table and play their final Group match against defending champions Maldives on Wednesday.
India substituted Subodh Kumar for Joaquim Abranches in 60th min ,Jeje for Balwant in 68th min and jewel Raja for M.Maithani in the 77th minute.
Goals
India
Sushil Kumar Singh 18′
Nepal
Yellow Cards
India
Joaquim Abranches 39′
Arindam Bhattcharya 45′
Nepal
Chetan Ghimire 17′
December 7th, 2009 at 8:05 pm
India play rough football with many counter attacks. Despitte of physibility and speed, Nepal fail to score the game.That is very sad news for us today. BEST OF LUCK for Next game with AFGANISTAN….
December 8th, 2009 at 7:33 pm
Yeah, Nepal does have a realistic chance to make the semis. If Maldives loose to India and Nepal can beat the Afghans by at least a two goal margin…Nepal will move into the semis!
Good Luck!