KATHMANDU: The first of the two friendly matches between the national football teams of Nepal and India has ended in a 1-1 draw.
In the first friendly match held at Dasarath Stadium this evening, Nepal took the lead in the 36th minute with a goal from Anjan Bista.
Bista benefited from an error by the Indian defender, to take his team ahead in front of the 5000 odd home crowd.
The lead was neutralized by India in the second half, in the 60th minute of the match, with Anirudh Thapa scoring after Nepali goalkeeper Kiran Chemjong unsuccessfully tried to keep out a long-strike from Indian captain Sunil Chettri.
Both the teams had fair number of chances to take the lead, but failed to score.
The second friendly match will now be held on coming Sunday evening at the same venue.
The friendly matches are being played in preparation for the SAFF football championship scheduled to be held in the Maldives in coming October.
