REPUBLICA

KATHMANDU, Sept 27: A goal each from Bimal Gharti Magar and Anjan Bista in the second half helped Nepal come from two goals down to hold Iraq to a 2-2 draw in a Group C qualifying match of the AFC U-16 Championship at the Dasharath Stadium on Friday.

Following the result, Nepal and Iraq are level on four points and have chances of qualifying for the finals to be held in Thailand next year. However, Iraq occupies the top spot due to superior goal difference.

Bahrain defeated Turkmenistan 3-1 in the day´s first match at the Dasharath Stadium to keep alive its hopes. If Bahrain beats Iraq and Nepal loses to Turkmenistan on Sunday, Bahrain will qualify as the group winner. Turkmenistan, which was defeated by Iraq in the opening match, has already crashed out of the tournament.

Iraq took an early lead in the match against Nepal as Husam Hasan Mahmood took advantage of slack defense and beat defender Kiran Sunuwar to score in the 15th minute.
Ameer Sabah Khudhair scored the second goal for Iraq with a solo effort in the injury time of the first half.

Nepal came up with an improved performance in the second half and captain Bimal Gharti Magar scored a goal in the 50th minute. Gharti dodged Iraq defender Hayder Ali Kadhim Abboodi and finished coolly leaving Iraqi goalkeeper Saif Ali Hussein Al-Rikabi with no chance.

After cutting the deficit, Nepal created one chance after another. Gharti Magar missed an opportunity in the 52nd minute as he failed to utilize a good pass from Kiran Sunar. Iraq goalkeeper Saif Ali blocked a shot from Hemant Thapa Magar in the 57th minute.

Bista finally scored the equalizer in the 70th minute with a header in a Thapa Magar corner. Nepal then pressed forward in search of a winner but Saif Ali denied Thapa Magar once again in the 89th minute.

In the day´s first match, Mohamed Jasim put Bahrain ahead in the 12th minute but Metdayev leveled the scores at 1-1 in the 15th minute. Jasim again showed his brilliance in the injury time of the first half to put Bahrain 2-1 ahead. Sayed Mohamed added another in the 53rd minute to seal a 3-1 victory for Bahrain.

Points table

Team P W D L GF GA Pts
Iraq 2 1 1 0 10 3 4
Nepal 2 1 1 0 4 2 4
Bahrain 2 1 0 1 3 3 3
Turkmenistan 2 0 0 2 2 11 0