Nepal’s 22-year long trophy drought ended when they defeated India 5-4 in the tie-breaker of the first edition of U-19 Saff Championship at Anfa Complex in Satdobato.

Goal keeper Sojit Gurung saved a crucial first penalty of Mohinuddin and Ananta Thapa made no mistake from the decisive spot kick to hand Nepal a first major trophy in 22 years.

The winner of the championship had to be decided through the penalties after the regular 90 minutes ended in a 1-1 stalemate.

Tej Tamang scored in the 31st minute to put Nepal ahead but India levelled the score in the 86th on a penalty. Referee awarded the penalty to India after the ball was handled inside the Nepali box.

Nepal had put on a fine display and took a well-deserved lead when Tamang slotted a return ball home on a corner kick. Ananta Tamang rose high to latch a powerful header from Sunil Bal’s corner only to be saved by the legs of Indian goalie. The rebound fell in front of an unmarked Tej Tamang and he was quick to react to poke it into the net.

The victory looked imminent for the Nepali side, playing in front of sold-out crowd, until the 86th minute when referee awarded a penalty to India after Tshering Gurung handled the ball inside the box while attempting to clear the ball. Goalie Sojit Gurung got his leg to the resulting spot kick but it was a powerful one from Sahabaz for him to stop from getting into his post.

Sojit then made a brilliant save to deny the first spot kick diving left and palming away Mohinuddin’s shot. This save proved decisive as Nepal players converted all of their spot kicks and landed the country’s first title in 22 years.

Players to be awarded with Rs 100,000 each

Ministry of Youth and Sports has announced a cash prize of Rs 100,000 to each of the players of the U-19 side after they claimed the trophy of the regional championship.

Minister Purushottam Poudel announced the reward prior to the final at Satdobato today.

Nepal defeated India 5-4 on penalty shootout to claim their first trophy for 22 years.

(All photos by Kaushal Adhikari)