Nepal had a disastrous start to the AFC U16 Qualifiers in Group E, losing to Philippines in the opening game in Halchowk today. The hosts went down to the visiting side 4 goals to nil.

Nepal began the game in a positive manner but couldn’t convert on the chances they got. Lack of being clinical in front of goal did cost Nepal the game; Philippines on the other hand were clinical on the chances they received. Nepal conceded 2 goals late in the first half and the other two in second half.

The last 5 minutes of first half was the decisive moment in the game with Nepal giving away simple possession and losing it in their own half.

Philippines took full advantage of this and scored first goal in 42 nd minute through Keanne Alamo. The second goal Nepal conceded was in the injury time in 46 th minute that too in the defensive vulnerability Nepal had shown and
Alamo doubled the score.

The start in the second half was also good for Nepal but being unable to convert on the chances that they got was the downfall for Nepal. Philippines added 2 more goals on 76 th by Jiana Simmons and 82 nd minute by Mikaela Villacin. Having down 2 goals by first half had a tough task for Nepal in the second half but young girls were not up to the expectations.

Nepal will have to win the remaining two games to have any chances to go to next round. The hosts are taking on Myanmar on Friday.

Nepal U16: Sajani Thokar, Khusma Rai, Preeti Rai (C), Shrishna Karki, Chandra Bhandari, Sabita Rana Magar, Sabina Chaudhary, Puspa Gurung, Ashmita Chaudhary, Karina Dhimal, Manisha Bista



Philippines U16: Odeza Marie, Isabella Maria, Traci Lim, Mikaela Villacin, Astrid Heiress, Keanne Maicah, Maria Lazo, Gianna Kate, Lyka Jane, Micha Pauline

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