In a hard fought match, Nepal lost its first match against India 1-2 at the 4th South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) Championship today at the People’s Sports Complex in Karachi, Pakistan.

The Nepalese team, who were down early by two goals fought bravely to provide a scare to the Indian side.

The Indian team started the game in a blistering pace resulting in their first goal early in the 7th minute; Mehtab Hussain capitalized off a blunder by the defence to put India up 1-0. The Indian side then doubled the tally in the 27th minute, again through Hussain, when he scored off a cross by teammate Sur Kumar Singh.

There was plenty was action in between with Basanta Thapa’s shot in the 16th minute smacking the top bar. Indian skipper Bhaichung Bhutia could also have scored in the 19th minute, but promising goalie Bikash Malla made an acrobatic save off a clever flick by Bhutia.

The Nepalese side woke up after the two goal deficit and attacked relentlessly. Basanta Thapa was once again on the target in the 31st minute but his shot was just over the bar. The attacking paid off with Basanta’s superb pass to Surendra Tamang, whose shot rebounded off the Indian goalie and Basanta headed the ball in to bring down the deficit by one in the 36th minute.

In the second-half, Nepal dominated the play but could not equalize due to poor finishing. Their best chance came in the 53rd minute through Surendra Tamang. Tamang couldn’t convert off Bishan Gauchan with his header saved by the Indian goalkeeper.

Nepal will play its second match on 10th December against Bangladesh. Nepal is in Group B along with two-time SAFF champions India, Bangladesh and Bhutan.