2012 Nehru Cup: Maldives win 2-1 against Nepal

In a south Asian match-up the Maldives got the better of Nepal 2-1 in the opening Nehru Cup match for the two sides, which also marked their debut in the tournament. Goals from Assadhullah Abdullah (7th minute) and Ismail Easa (77th minute) ensured full points for the Maldives, while Nepal could only pull one back through substitute Jumanu Rai in injury time.

The Maldives surged ahead as early as the 7th minute as Assadhullah Abdullah made the most of a goalkeeping error to tap the ball into an empty net. The Maldives looked more enterprising during the early part of the match. They defended sturdily and stringed together some good moves. 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. Nepal not only lacked creativity in the middle of the park, but they were unable to cut past the Maldives back four.

Post the break, Nepal showed more intent upfront with the Maldives sitting deep and focusing on guarding their fort. Left winger Jagjeet Shrestha's cross at the hour mark was headed just wide by striker Bharat Khawas.

As the match entered its final phase, Nepal surged ahead in numbers testing the Maldives defenders who were caught off guard a few times. But luckily for the islanders who are ranked just above Nepal, luck was on their side as they sealed the fate of the match in the 77th minute when Ismail Easa prodded home from inside the box. Nepal though were finally rewarded for their spirited effort when substitute Jumanu Rai scored a consolation goal in injury time, but that was too little, too late.

The Maldives next take on hosts India in their second match on August 25, while Nepal take on mighty Cameroon on August 26.