KATHMANDU: Nepal will face Bangladesh in the final of the Three Nations Cup 2021 after the final group match between the two sides ended in a goalless draw.
Having won their first match, Bangladesh secured their place in the final after Nepal drew against Kyrgyzstan Olympic Team. Nepal earned two points from two matches while Kyrgyzstan had one from two.
Nepal held plenty of possession but could not find a goal against a much-changed Bangladeshi side. Anjan Bista could not direct his header in the 21st minute into the post. Bista’s free header from a cross by Tridev Gurung went over the bar.
Bangladesh’s also missed opportunities and the best of them fell to skipper Jamal Bhuyal in the 40th minute. Jamal’s free-kick sailed few inches off the bar.
Nepal romped up the pressure in the second half following the introduction of Bishal Rai and Sunil Bal but yet could not find the opposition net. Abhishek Rijal saw his header go wide when he jumped to meet Ranjit Dhimal’s cross in the 65th minute.
Bangladesh head coach James Day said they were happy to keep a clean sheet and rotate players. “Nepal got on top a few times but that didn’t hurt us. It is nice to get into the final and now we want to win it,” said Day.
Nepal’s head coach Bal Gopal Maharjan said their strategy was not to lose a point in today’s game. “We played good football in the second half. We want to play even better and lift the trophy,” said Maharjan.
Nepal’s Rohit Chand was adjudged as the Player of the Match. The final will also be played at Dasharath Stadium on Monday.
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