Nepal has won their first match of the SAFF U-20 Championship 2-1 against Bhutan, who had to complete the match with one man less due to a red card shown within the first 15 minutes of the start of the game.
In the match played this afternoon at the Galolhu Stadium, Nepal took the lead in the 5th minute from an indirect free kick received inside the area. Sujan Dangol scored the goal for Nepal from the kick, which was awarded almost on the six-yard box line near the corner of the goal.
Bhutan's midfielder Thinley Yoezer was shown a red card following a second yellow card in the 14th minute. His first card was shown for being disobedient to the referee while Nepal was preparing to take the indirect kick inside the area in the 5th minute.
Nepal scored their second goal in the 52nd minute of the match. Subash Bam, who also plays for Nepal's senior national team, aimed the ball into the top corner of the goal from outside the area.
Both Nepal and Bhutan received many opportunities to score goals in this match. While Nepal could not utilize further chances, Bhutan found hope with a goal scored by Dendup Gyeltshen in the 83rd minute. Even after that, Bhutan received a chance to equalize but was unsuccessful.
Both Nepal and Bhutan are included in Group A along with Sri Lanka and the Maldives. The match where Maldives and Sri Lanka meet began tonight at 8:30 PM. Before that, the official opening ceremony of the tournament is scheduled was held at 8:00 PM.
