Nepal failed to capitalise on the home advantage as they shared points with India during their second match of the AFC U-16 Qualifiers 2018 on Friday.

In the match played at Halchowk ground in Kathmandu, Nepal played 2-2 draw against India. The match was goalless until half time.

Nepal took a lead with Brijesh Chaudhary’s goal in the 76th minute. But, Indian striker Harpreet scored an equalising goal in the 82th minute. He scored another goal in 88^th minute to give India a 2-1 lead.

Birjesh scored his second goal in vital time to equalise the game at 2-2.

With this draw, Nepal’s chances of qualifying are still alive. However, India must win their last match.

In another match, Iraq defeated Palestine 4-0 earlier today. 

Earlier, Nepal had lost 1-0 to Iraq on Wednesday while India thrashed Palestine 3-0.

The participating 44 nations have been divided into 10 groups and the winners of all pools along with five best runners-up will qualify for next year’s finals to be hosted by Malaysia. ..........................................................................................................................................

AFC U-16 Championship 2018 Qualifiers: Nepal, India play goalless draw until half time

Nepal and India played a goalless draw in the Group ‘D’ match of the AFC U-16 Championship Qualifiers at the APF grounds in Halchowk, Kathmandu, on Friday.

Having lost their opening match 1-0 to holders Iraq on Wednesday, the match will be a do-or-die for the home team. A win over India will ignite the home team’s qualification hopes while a draw or defeat almost certainly end their hopes of making it to the finals in Malaysia next year. Only the pool winners and five best runners-up from the 10 groups are assured of qualification to the finals. 

Unlike Nepal, India made a winning start to their campaign seeing off Palestine 3-0 on Wednesday at the same venue. A win over the hosts will put them close to qualification depending on the results of other fixtures.

Though both the teams have three points each, India is at the top of Group ‘D’ followed by Iraq. Pointless Nepal and Palestine are at the third and fourth places, respectively. 

The participating 44 nations have been divided into 10 groups and the winners of all pools along with five best runners-up will qualify for next year’s finals to be hosted by Malaysia.