Nepal will play Laos in the final of Prime Minister Three Nations Cup after playing out a 1-1 draw against Bhutan at Dasharath Stadium on Tuesday.

Dipak Raj Singh Thakuri scored a last-minute equalizer for Nepal after Tenzin Norbu's opener for Bhutan.

Norbu penalized an uninspired Nepal with a brilliant header from a corner in the 19th minute. Nepal though bounced back in the second half and finally found the equalizer through substitute Thakuri in the 90th minute. It was first ever draw between the two sides. Nepal had previously won all the 12 matches against Bhutan.

Nepal's head coach Vincenzo Alberto Annese said they dominated the game especially in the second half. "We came back in the last five minutes. We had created clear chances in the second half but could not utilize them," said Annese.

Annese said the team was looking forward to the final against Laos. "It is important that we reached the final against Laos. There were many mispasses against Bhutan but still we put on an improved performance than the first half," said Annese.

Nepal's Captain Kiran Kumar Limbu said the team lacked communication in the first half and improved in the second. "We improved in the second half but were bit unlucky. We now look forward to the final," said Limbu.

Bhutan's Coach Pema was disappointed to not secure the win. "We are sad that we conceded at the last minute after my players lost concentration towards the end. It is really very disappointing for us," said Pema. "We had to win today's match and I had asked my players to give their all which they did. Still this is the first ever draw against Nepal and we are happy for it," he added.

The final between Nepal and Laos will be played at Dasharath Stadium on Friday at 5:30 pm.

This news was published on ANFA official website on 2023-03-28 and for original news link, click here