Thiruvananthapuram: Mohammed Rifnas struck an injury-time winner as Sri Lanka shocked Nepal 1-0 in the first match of the SAFF Cup at the Greenfield Stadium here on Wednesday.
Sri Lanka had scored from only their second shot on target while they had lived on the edge throughout courtesy their goalkeeper Sujan Perera. Nepal used a 4-2-3-1 to counter Sri Lanka’s pragmatic 4-4-2 and quick teenage wingers Bimal and Anjan operated on either wings. The Lankans’ cautious approach was exploited by Nepal’s skilled attackers.
After a cagey start, Nepal made a move on the right. Anil Gurung controlled a long ball with class and sent a timely pass to Bimal Gharti Magar. The 17-year-old sensation swung a cross from which Rohit Chand had a diving header that forced Don Sujan Perera into the game’s first save.
Perera was kept busy under the Lankan bar and he palmed a Gurung corner before watching an attempt by Rohit Chand attempt from range sail over.
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