Bangladesh clinch 1-0 win over Nepal in friendly match

Bangladesh have beaten Nepal 1-0 in a friendly encounter to wrap up their preparation of the forthcoming SAFF Championship.

Shakhawat Hossain Rony netted the lone goal of the match in the first half at the Bangabandhu National Stadium on Thursday.

The match gave coach Maruful Haque an opportunity to test his players while trying out various combinations.

Hemanta Vincent Biswas was deployed in the right wing in place of Jewel Rana.

Mamunul Islam and his men gradually picked up momentum after slow start. 

Yamin Munna set up the goal from the left in the 18th minute. Rony ran into the box and sent a strong header past the goalkeeper, off Yamin's cross.

Hemanta squandered a couple of subsequent chances of extending Bangladesh's lead in the first half. He headed one wide before firing a left-footed volley over the bar.

Nepal, who had more possession through the game, tried hard to restore parity in the second half. But a Rohit Chand shot hit the woodwork, frustrating Nepal’s chance to equalise in the 74th minute.

The SAFF tournament will begin in Kerala, India, on Dec 23. Bangladesh have been grouped with holders Afghanistan, Maldives, and Bhutan.