4 Oct. 2021 (Male’) – Nepal edged Sri Lanka 3-2 in a thrilling encounter to strengthen their chances of marching into the finals of the SAFF Championship 2021, being held in Male’, Maldives.
With the win, Nepal is at the top of the standing with six points from two matches. Bangladesh is second with four points, while India who drew to Bangladesh on the first match of the day, has one point from one match. Sri Lanka is at the bottom having lost both their matches.
Nepal came into the match high on confidence following their win against host Maldives on the first day of the championship. Despite repeated attempts on the opposition post, it was not until the 31st minute Suman Lama found the back of the net. Though Lama’s shot deflected off the post on its way in, he was quick enough to pounce on the rebound, ensuring he got in the score-sheet.
Anjan Bista got Nepal’s second goal in the 51st minute, while there were several other attempts from Nepal that could have easily made the score one-sided. Marvin Hamilton reduced the deficit for Sri Lanka scoring a long ranger in the 57th minute. Sri Lanka threatened Nepal’s backline following the goal, but Nepal custodian Kiran Kumar Limbu was at his best denying the Islanders any chances of a comeback.
Ayush Ghalan scored Nepal’s third goal in the 86th minute before Dillon Senan De Silva pulled one back for Sri Lanka in the third minute of the stoppage time from a penalty.