Nepal played out a goalless draw against Kyrgyzstan Olympic Team in the Three Nations Cup 2021 match at Dasharath Stadium on Thursday.

Bangladesh, after their win against Kyrgyzstan, have now secured their place in the final while Nepal and Kyrgyzstan both are in contention for the other place. Nepal will require only a draw against Bangladesh to reach the final.

Nepali team saw plenty of possession but was unable to break down the Kyrgyz team. They started well and maintained plenty of possession throughout the game. The closest Nepal came to scoring was when Anjan Bista's shot in the 14th minute struck the bar. A lively Bista also saw his shot sail wide in the 33rd minute.

Kyrgyzstan rarely threatened the Nepali goalpost in the game. They were further pegged back when their captain Tashiev Kamolidin was sent off in the 67th minute following a double bookable offence.

Nepal's coach Bal Gopal Maharjan said he was happy with the team's performance in the draw. "The team is playing a competitive match after such a long time. I am satisfied with the team's performance," said Maharjan.

Maharjan added the team will put on a better performance in their final group match against Bangladesh. "The team played as the way I instructed them. Yes we could not score but our game was good and it will improve in next match," said Maharjan.

Kyrgyzstan's coach Zholdoshov Nurbek said his players gave their best. "We were good in the first half but came under pressure in the second especially when our captain was sent off," said Nurbek. "The Nepali team are quicker than Bangladeshi team and they play dynamic football."

Nurbek said they were still hopeful of reaching the finals but should wait for Nepal's match against Bangladesh.

Nepal will play Bangladesh in the final group match on Saturday.

This news was published on ANFA official website on 2021-03-25 and for original news link, click here