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| Umair celebrates Maldives only goal in the first half |
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Dhaka, BANGLADESH – Maldives beat Nepal by 1-0 today and increased their chance of reaching the semi final. The semi final berth could only be confirmed after the result of Bangladesh vs Bhutan game later today. Skipper Umair scored the goal from a penalty awarded against Nepal for a hand ball inside the penalty area. Umair took another penalty in the second half after Akram was brought down inside the penalty area, but this time the keeper saved the ball.
Maldives first shot came in the 3rd minute when Umair fired a powerful one just outside the penalty area, but it went over the cross bar.
Maldives awarded a penalty in the 12th minute when the defender handed the ball. However, the keeper took the ball but the assistant referee signaled the defender handed the ball before keeper reacted to it. Frustrated Nepal players encircled the referee but after consulting his assistant, match referee awarded the penalty to Maldives.
Skipper Umair stepped in to take the kick and scored to give an early lead.
After Maldives scored, Nepal stepped forward and put more pressure on Maldives throughout the game.
However in the later stage of the half both Ashfaq and Shamveel missed good chances to double the score.
Just an hour mark, Maldives was given another penalty when Akram was brought down inside the penalty area but this time Umair’s kick was saved by the keeper.
Nepal players and officials protested referees decision to award the penalty. Nepal coach ordered his players to leave the field but Nepal Football Association president urged players to continue.
Nepal did everything they can to find an equalizer but the result means they are knocked out of the tournament.
Frustrated Nepal officials and players attacked match officials after the game and some even threw flying kicks to them. Match officials were escorted from the field by armed police.
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