Nepal started their SAFF U-20 Championship journey with a 1-0 win against Sri Lanka at the ANFA Complex in Satdobato, Kathmandu. Nirajan Dhami scored the only goal of the match in the first half, securing three points for the home team.
This win puts Nepal in a strong position to reach the semi-finals for the fifth time in this biennial tournament. The top two teams from each group will advance to the last four.
Nepal, one of the favorites to win the tournament, showed their intent early on. Dhami almost scored in the first minute, heading in a free-kick from Abinash Syangtan, but the goal was ruled out for offside. However, Dhami kept up the pressure and finally broke through in the 24th minute with a superb finish after Samir Tamang set him up with an overhead kick.
Nepal dominated the match, creating several chances. Samir Tamang’s volley hit the post in the 12th minute, and Nirjan Karki forced a save from Sri Lanka’s goalkeeper Ahamed Shareef in the 19th minute. Sri Lanka struggled to create opportunities, with their only real attempt coming in the 35th minute when a cross from Johnjimron Harish almost beat Nepal’s goalkeeper, Jiyarath Shekh.
In the second half, Nepal continued to control the game but missed several chances to extend their lead. Samir Tamang shot over the bar in the 63rd minute, and Ashwin Ghorasainee did the same in the 76th minute after a pass from Syangtan. Bhomjan had a great chance in the 80th minute, but Sri Lanka’s goalkeeper Shareef made a quick save.
Dhami had the final attempt of the match with a powerful volley, but the crossbar denied him a second goal. Despite the missed opportunities, Nepal secured a well-deserved win to start their campaign on a positive note.