KATHMANDU, June 6: 10-men Nepal faced 2-0 defeat at the hands of India in a friendly match played in Mumbai on Tuesday. Sandesh Jhingan and Jeje Lalpekhlua netted one goal each in India’s win over Nepal in the match played at Andheri Sports Complex, Mumbai.
Nepal was down to 10 men in 68th minute after skipper Biraj Maharjan was given marching order after he brought down Bikash Jairu of the host team in the danger zone.
Nepali head coach Gyotoku Koji expressed his dissatisfaction over set pieces and finishing of his players. “We always fail to capitalize the chances and this has been major setback of our team. Today also we couldn’t score despite creating glorious chances,” said Japanese coach Koji.
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He also said this match was good chance to examine the strength of the squad. “From this match I got to know the weaknesses of the squad, I have come to know who can play at top level or who cannot,” added head coach Koji.
Sandesh Jhingan put home side India in the driving seat scoring the half-volley in the 60th minute. Indian striker Jeje Lalpekhlua had created for defender Sandesh Jhingan in 12-yard, after collecting the pass from Bikash Jairu.
Jeje Lalpekhlua made 2-0 for India in 78th minute utilizing the pass from Mohammed Rafique. Midfielder Rafique sprinted from the left flank and cut in to make pass for Jeje and Indian young striker made a powerful shot in the right corner.
This match was the 19th meeting between two South Asian sides which are preparing for their upcoming home matches of AFC Asian Cup 2019 Qualifiers. However, India continued its dominance over Nepal registering its 13th win and second in a row. India had beaten Nepal 4-1 in SAFF Championship 2015 in the last meeting. The last win Nepal pulled over India was in SAFF Championship 2013 held in Kathmandu.
Koji also said that Indian team was lot better than Nepal. “There is reason why India is 100th in FIFA ranking. Indian players are experienced and physically strong. This is my first encounter against them and hopefully we can do better in future,” Koji concluded.
Nepal’s head coach Gyotoku Koji gave debut to the two players including fullback Bimal Basnet and Hemanta Thapa Magar who came on in second half replacing Anjan Bista and Rohit Chand respectively.
Nepal had golden opportunity to score the opener in the match when striker Nawayug Shrestha failed to score on versus one against Indian goalie Gurpreet Singh Sandhu in the last minute of first half. Nepal was denied another chance to score when Sujal Shrestha’s powerful long range shot was saved by Indian goalkeeper Singh.
