2012 Nehru Cup: Maldives defeated Nepal by 2-1

Thursday, August 23, 2012 Report by Rajarshi Ghosh

Maldives defeated Nepal 2-1 to log full points and join India at the top of the table in the second match of the Nehru Cup at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Thursday.

Goals from Abdulla Asadhulla (7’) and Easa Ismail (77’) guaranteed full points for Maldives. Nepal pulled one back in the dying minutes of the match through substitute Jumanu Rai.

Maldives surged ahead as early as in the 7’ as Ashadullah made the most of a goalkeeping error to tap in the ball home. Maldives looked more enterprising during the opening exchanges of the match. Nepal, on the other hand, failed to live up to the expectations of their supporters who had turned up in numbers to cheer their team.

As the match entered its final phase, Nepal surged in numbers testing the Maldives defenders who were caught unaware a few times. But luckily for the side that is ranked just above Nepal, luck was in their favour and they had the last laugh.

Maldives on the other hand sealed the fate of the match in the 77’ when Easa prodded home from close range. Nepal though was finally rewarded for their good show in the second half when substitute Jumanu Rai scored a consolation goal late into injury time.