SAFF Football: Nepal lost to India again

KATHMANDU: Nepal lost to India on Saturday evening in the final of the SAAF Football Championship 2021. India defeated Nepal by 3-0 goal difference.

Nepal was playing final for the first time in the SAFF Championship played at Male of the Maldives.

The first half was draw with no score, but India scored three goals in the second half of the match. Indian striker Sunil Chhetri scored first goal in the 49th minute, and within minutes Suresh Singh scored second goal. In the injury time, India added another goal.

With the defeat, Nepal’s dream of winning first SAFF Championship was not fulfilled. India was dominant through out the game, and hit well directed balls in Nepali post 19 times.

Nepal had lost to India in the league stage match as well.

This is the first time in the 28-year long history of the Nepal SAFF Championship that it has reached the final. India have won a record seven times and was playing in the final for the eighth time in a row. India have played the final of each edition since 2005.