Nepal won the Three Nations Cup 2021 defeating Bangladesh 2-1 in the final on Monday.
Sanjog Rai and Bishal Rai scored for the hosts in an entertaining match at Dasharath Stadium.
Sanjog scored the first in the 18th minute when he drilled a powerful left-footed drive which went into the bottom left corner. Nepal grew in confidence following the goal and put on the pressure.
Anjan Bista saw the ball go over the bar when he tried to lift the ball over the keeper in the 20th minute.
Sanjog then provided for Bishal to double the lead in the 42nd minute. Bishal made no mistake with his right foot.
Bangladesh's Mahbubur Rahman pulled one back with a header in the 83rd minute. Bangladesh searched foe a second but a solid defensive performance by Nepal kept them at bay.
Nepal's coach Bal Gopal Maharjan said the result was the hard work of the past 100 days. "The credit for this trophy goes to the player and the supporters. We made some changes in the team and strategy and it worked in our favour. We are happy to win," said coach Maharjan.
Defender Biraj Maharjan, who played his last match for the country, said his international footballing career was complete with the trophy. "I am happy to look back at my career. I had never hoped to achieve things I have achieved and I am glad to every football supporters for it," said Maharjan.
National team's captain Kiran Kumar Limbu said induction of new players with other experienced players helped them in the victory. "The young players are really good. I am happy to win my first trophy as a captain. I thank the supporters who gave us extra motivation to play," said Limbu.
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