2012 AFC Challenge Cup: Host Nepal out, others target Semis

The second round Group A matches were played in the 2012 AFC Challenge Cup in Kathmandu today. While Palestine met Turkmenistan at the Halchowk Stadium, later in the day the Maldives faced the hosts Nepal at the Dashrath Stadium.

Group A

Palestine 0-0 Turkmenistan
Palestine and Turkmenistan played out a goalless draw in their second Group A match in the 2012 AFC Challenge Cup at the Halchowk Stadium. With both teams now on four points and the Maldives on three it leaves the group wide open with the final round matches to be played on Monday. The first half was a dull affair with Turkmenistan having more of the ball, while Palestine was content to allow their opponents more of the possession. But things changed after the break as Palestine were suddenly in the game and had their chances, while Turkmenistan had chances for a late winner.

Maldives 1-0 (0-0) Nepal
Host Nepal are out of the 2012 AFC Challenge Cup after 0-1 defeat against the Maldives at the Dashrath Stadium. The Nepalis have only themselves to blame as they dominated most of the match, but simply failed to score. Meanwhile the Maldives are back in the race for a semifinal spot as they have their destiny in their own hands against Palestine. After a goalless first session it was the Maldives that took the lead against the run of play, with Mohamed Rasheed capitalising on some slack Nepal defending to fire the ball low past Ritesh and in off his left-hand post. Nepal tried to get the equaliser, but it wasn't to be.