Nepal recorded their first victory to keep their semifinal hope alive in the Bangabandhu Gold Cup International Football tournament as they eliminated Sri Lanka by a solitary goal in their second group A encounter held on Wednesday at the Bangabandhu National Stadium in the city.
After splitting points with holders Malaysia in their opening match, the second match became do or die for them to keep the last four berth alive. Thanks to Bimol Ghartt Magar for his all-important goal that helped Nepal to earn full three points from the crucial match.
In the day’s match, Bimol Ghartt Magar scored the decisive goal for the Himalaya Kingdom ahead early in the 4th minute with a placing shot near the post after receiving cut back from defender Rabin Shrestha from the left flan (1-0). In the 25th minute Lanka had a chance to neutralize the margin but forward Kavindu Ihsan placed he ball wide of the side post on a square pass of midfielder Gnanaruban from the right.
Nepal also had a chance to double the lead as when Meman Gurung fierce volley from vantage position sailed harmlessly over the crosspiece in the 59th minute.
Sri Lanka failed to produce any goal in the remaining proceeding that mean they have crashed out from the championship race after conceding two consecutive defeats in their group phase engagements.
