Tajikistan too strong for Nepal
Tajikistan made a winning start in the Bangabandhu Gold Cup by inflicting a 2-0 defeat on defending champions Nepal in Group A opener at the Sylhet District Stadium yesterday.
Captain Fatkhulloev Fatkhullo put tournament's third-highest ranked side ahead in the first half before substitute Turunov Komron wrapped up the victory in the second half.
Defending champions Nepal, however, displayed their fast-paced game throughout the game, but having returned to Bangladesh after playing SAFF Championship last month, the Nepalese were forced on to the backfoot in face of heavy pressing from Tajikistan.
Tajikistan, who were playing their first international match since March this year, came close to breaking the deadlock in the second minute courtesy of a nice build-up from the left flank, but Muhammad Jon Rohimov's powerful left-footer from was brilliantly tipped over by Nepal goalkeeper Bikesh Kuthu.
Nepal tried to unsettle the Tajikistan defence through the flanks and launched sporadic attacks but it was Tajikistan who made the breakthrough from a spot-kick in the 26th minute. Ananta Tamang brought down Ergashev Jahongir inside the box and Fatkhulloev easily converted from the spot.
After resumption, Tajikistan looked more aggressive to mount huge pressure and doubled the lead in the 69th minute when Fatkhulloev released a well-judged chip from the left-hand for Komrov, who made no mistake to head home from close range.
Nepal could have pulled one goal back in the stoppage time when Tej Tamang played a low ball from the right flank for Bimal Gharti Magar, but the young forward's clever back-heel was well gripped by goalkeeper Rizoev Rustam.
“I'm happy with the performance of the boys because we lost to a stronger team,” said Nepal coach Bal Gopal Maharjan, who guided Nepal to the title of the last edition of this tournament.
“This time, participating teams are stronger than the previous edition and we are bottom ranked side in our group and we are happy to get the opportunity to play against the higher ranked side.”
“Although Nepal are a good side, my boys faced difficulties in the first half due to the weather condition but they secured full three points to make a good start,” said Tajikistan coach Tukhtaev Alisher.
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