Nepal begins SAFF Championship with a 1-3 loss against Kuwait

KATHMANDU: Nepal opened its SAFF Championship 2023 campaign with a 1-3 loss against Kuwait in Bangalore, India, on Wednesday.

Captain Khaled Hajiah opened the scoring for Kuwait in the 23rd minute. Fawaz Al Otaibti’s corner bounced amid the crowded Nepal goal, giving unmarked Hajiah the clear opportunity to head home.

Shabiab Al Khaldi doubled Kuwait’s lead in the 41st minute, collecting Mohammad Daham’s pass. He showed great composure to score past Nepali keeper Kiran Chemjong.

Nepal, which had taken a defensive approach in the first half, was more aggressive after the break. However, it soon conceded third goal.

Mohammad Daham scored Kuwait’s third in the 65th minute from the spot. The referee pointed to the spot after Ananta Tamang handled the ball inside the box.

Anjan Bista scored Nepal’s consolation goal in the 68th minute when he capitalized on a rare mistake by a Kuwaiti defender. This is Bista’s 12th goal in national colors. He is one goal behind Nepal’s all-time high scorers Hari Khadka and Nirajan Rayamajhi, who have scored 13 goals each for Nepal.

Nepal will play its next match of the championship against India on Saturday.