Nepal win second friendly

source: myrepublica.com

29 Nov 2009 - Nepali football team, preparing for the Sixth SAFF Championship, continued their winning streak in the second friendly practice match on Sunday. Nepal defeated Bhutan 2-1 during the friendly played at Mohammedan Sporting Club, Kolkata.

The first half of the match remained goalless. However, Bhutan surprised Nepal early in the second half and took the lead. As Nabil Three Star´s winger Bijay Gurung fouled the opposition in the D-box, Bhutan won the chance of spot-kick. Pasang Tsiring scored to keep Bhutan ahead.

Nepal, who have never lost to Bhutan in international football, were under pressure. However, Indian League side Shillong Lajong´s Nepali striker Anil Gurung scored and leveled the match. Anil passed the ball into the net as defender Biraj Maharjan provided a good pass.

Bijay earned the winner for Nepal 10 minutes before the final whistle. Bijay scored with a spectacular shot from just outside the penalty box. Nepal Police Club´s forward Chetan Ghimire´s pass was utilized by Bijay to clinch victory for Nepal.

Nepal were earlier scheduled to play the second friendly match against I-league club Chirag United on Monday. However, the match was postponed for some unspecified reason. Nepal, nonetheless, got the chance to play against Bhutan.

Nepal had defeated I-league club Mohun Bagan 3-1 on Thursday in their first practice match. Nepali team will leave Kolkata on Wednesday to participatein the SAFF Championship being held in Dhaka from December 4 to 14.

Nepal, drawn in the group of death, will take on defending champion Maldives, four-time champions India and physically tough Afghanistan in their group.

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