KATHMANDU: Nepal played a 1-1 draw against the Maldives in the first match of the SAFF U-18 Football Championship played at the Armed Police Force Headquarters in Halchowk on Friday afternoon.

The Maldives took lead at the 13th minute of the match through a penalty it was awarded following a foul by Nepali defender inside the D-box area. Hasam Ajim scored for the Maldives.

Nepal scored at the 64th minute of the match leveling the tally. Manish Dangi netted the goal for Nepal.

With no more goals possible, the match ended in a stalemate.