Nepal plays 2-2 draw with Iraq in AFC U-16 match

KATHMANDU: Anjan Bista of Nepal scored for the hosts at the 79th minute of the game, leveling the score 2-2, against Iraq at the AFC U-16 Championship match played at the Dashrath Stadium in the Capital on Friday.

Iraq’s Husam Hasan and Ameer Sabaha scored a goal each in the 15th minute and 45+3 minute to give their team a comfortable lead in the first half. However, Nepal’s young star Bimal Gharti Magar cut down the lead through a fabulous goal immediately after the start of the second half of the match. Then Nepal, well supported by the faithful home fans, continued to put the pressure on Iraq by creating many chances at goal. Nepal was ultimately rewarded for its perseverance after Anjan Bista scored the equalizer in the 80th minute.

Hosts Nepal began their campaign beating Bahrain 2-0 in a game played at the Dashrath Stadium in the Capital on Wednesday. Iraq had trounced Turkmenistan 8-1.

Nepal has been drawn alongside Iraq, Bahrain and Turkmenistan in Group C. Nepal will take on Turkmenistan in its last group stage match on Sunday. All together 43 teams have entered the fray for this edition of the tournament and have been divided into 10 groups of five and four teams.