Home team Nepal has been eliminated from the semi-finals of the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) U-19 Championship after losing 3-2 to India on penalties, following a 1-1 draw in regulation time.
Nepal had better chances in the first half, but India took the lead through Sahil Khurshid in the 26th minute. Nepal equalized in the 74th minute through Samir Tamang, but the match went to penalties after the scores were level after extra time.

Nepal’s Prashant Laksham, Lachu Thapa, and Bikram Tamang all missed their penalties, while India’s Arjun Singh Oinam, Gwagwmsar Goeri, and Mangalentham Kipgen scored. This gave India a 3-2 win on penalties and a place in the final against Pakistan.
Nepal’s elimination is a disappointing end to their campaign, but they can take heart from the fact that they competed well against one of the strongest teams in the region.