Rekha Paudel scored both the goals as Nepal defeated India 2-0 to vault back into contention for the AFC U-19 Women’s Championship second round in Chonburi, Thailand on Friday.

In the Group ‘B’ Qualifier match at the Chonburi Stadium, Paudel scored in the 59th and 88th minutes to give Nepal a much-needed victory that could now be enough to seal them a place in the next round. While all six group winners and two best runners-up qualify for the second round, Nepal can make it through irrespective of their overall standings in the first round.

With Thailand already making it through as Finals’ hosts next year, Nepal can make it through if they finish second behind Thailand in Group ‘B’. Thailand, who crushed Pakistan 9-0 on Friday, had beaten Nepal 3-0 in their first match and will now play India in the last group game where even a draw can put Nepal in the second round.

However, if India beat Thailand in the group’s last day on Sunday, things will come down to goal difference. India had beaten Pakistan 18-0 in their first group game and Nepal might need to score even more to turn the tables. The top four teams from the second Qualifier will join Japan, North Korea and China for the Finals along with Thailand.

After a goalless first half, Paudel put Nepal ahead in the 59th minute after she beat the offside trap and controlled a long range pass from her own half and beat Indian goalkeeper Arumugam Archana. India were pressing hard for the equaliser but it was Paudel who shut down all chances of comeback netting in three minutes before the regulation time.

Samjhana Lawati did extremely well to get hold of a long pass from goalkeeper Anjana Rana Magar and the midfielder fed an unmarked Paudel who struck from just outside the area chipping over advancing Indian custodian Archana.

An elated Nepal coach Hari Om Shrestha said it was challenge to beat India. “It was a tough match but we knew if played to our potential, we could beat India. The girls played very well today. We didn’t capitalise the chances that came our way in the first half. I want to give full credit to Rekha. She did great today. I guess we will surely qualify for the next round,” said Shrestha.

Shrestha’s Indian counterpart Alex Ambrose admitted it was Nepal who deserved the victory. “Nepal deserved the victory. We didn’t score despite creating a handful of chances and that made the difference. We lost against a better team today. We will try to win against Thailand and keep alive our chances of qualification,” said Ambrose.