Nepal PM Cup: Lanky Lankans Go Through

Lankan arrived Kathmandu two days ago to acclimatize the Kathmandu's chilly weather but they were struggled by the Nepalese rookie at the first who took the early lead in the 7th minute through Santosh Shahukhala. Shahukhala curved the left footed shot that kissed the back of the net to spread vibes of celebration in all stands of the Dasrath Stadium.

With more than 7,000 crowds in hand, Nepalese team started with a bang. They were up to the mark till fifteen minutes but after that they lost the grip and Lankans pressed hard. Lankan experienced striker Kasun Jayasuriya nearly leveled the score in the 16th minute but his shot was cleared by the Nuraj Raj Kafle from the goal line.

Mohammed Sameera of Lanka could have shown his celebration but his high volley shot was hardly cleared by Nepal goalie Kiran Chemzong. But, finally, Lankans leveled the score in the 25th minute when E.B channa's free kick, just outside the edge of the D-box, got deflection and dodged the Nepalese goalie.

Three minutes later, Nepalese team and supporters were shocked when Lankans doubled the tally through lanky Chathura Gunarafne header. Chatura Madhuranga crossed the volley kick which was well headed by Gunarafne to past Kiran Chemzong. Nepalese striker Santosh Shahukhala missed a sitter when Bhola Silwal crossed for him from the rigth flank but Shahukhala wasted shooting wide. Santosh Shahukhala could have leveled the margin in the first half injury time but his shot was cleared by lankan defender from the goal line.

After the lemon break, Nepalese Coach Baiju Kapali substituted one midfielder and one striker and the game was changed. Substituted Santosh Nepali took the charge in midfield and youth Nirajan Malla, who trained in Japanese outfit Urawa Reds, in the front line. In a minute, Nirajan Malla produced a breathtaking attemps but Lankan goalie came out from the D-box and cleared the ball.

Sri Lankan extended the margin in the 65th minute when Skipper Chatura Madhuranga scored in a goal-mouth-meele. Nepalese goalie Kiran Chemzong couldn't clear the ball where defender Nura Raj Kafle was trying to save the ball but Chatura's shot got deflection through Kafle to kiss the net.

Nepalese team cut the deficit in the 73rd minute when super sub Santosh Nepali scored through diving header when right back Deepak Bhushal supplied the smart cross in the D-box. Nepali dived excellently and sliced the ball to the second bar to make score 3-2.

Now, it was time for Nepalese team to attack in the lankan den. Seven Lankan players guarded the post and Nepalese rookie attacked relentlessly. But the attack was blunt. Yougal Kishor Rai tried his in the injury time but his tricky shot hit the woodwork in the 90+4 minute.  

Goal.com