Mohammed Rifnas struck an injury time winner as Sri Lanka shocked Nepal 1-0 in the first match of the SAFF Cup at the Greenfield Stadium here on Wednesday.
Sri Lanka had scored from only their second shot on target while they had lived on the edge throughout courtesy their goalkeeper Sujan Perera.
Lanka now lead the three-team Group ‘A’, which includes hosts India, whom they play on Christmas day. Nepal used a 4-2-3-1 to counter Sri Lanka’s pragmatic 4-4-2 and quick teenage wingers Bimal and Anjan operated on either wings. The Lankans’ cautious approach was exploited by Nepal’s skilled attackers.
After a cagey start, Nepal made a move on the right. Anil Gurung controlled a long ball with class and send a timely pass to Bimal Gharti Magar.
The 17-year-old sensation swung a cross from which Rohit Chand had a diving header that forced Don Sujan Perera into the game’s first save.
Perera was kept busy under the Lankan bar and he palmed a Gurung corner before watching a Rohit Chand attempt from range, sail over. Bimal and Anjan switched wings, with the former operating on the left as Nepal continued to probe.
Nepal arrived after the break, visibly brighter. They had changed into a blue second kit dumping their traditional “red” first jersey as it clashed with the maroon of Lanka.
The brightness also shone in their game as immediately after restart Bimal was inches away from turning in a wishful cross. The highlanders played a high tempo game and Sri Lanka’s low block frustrated them at times.
Nepal substituted out their influential skipper Gurung with Nawayug Shrestha in the lone striker role. They made their intentions clear by introducing winger Jagajeet Shrestha in the 65th minute, in place of defensive midfielder Bikram Lama who was a powerful presence.
The changes also allowed the Lions of Lanka some freedom in spaces around their box.
