Bishkek: Kyrgyz Republic beat Nepal 2-0 in their opening match of the AFC U-19 Championship Qualifiers Group A tie on Tuesday at the Dolen Omurzakov Stadium.
It was Nepal who started more confidently, controlling the match in the first 20 minutes.
However, it was Kyrgyz Republic who opened the scoring, with Gulzhigit Borubaev surging into the penalty area and slotting home from the right flank in the 21st minute.
Just five minutes later, Borubaev was on the offensive again but his shot missed the target.
The one-goal advantage, however, have the hosts the confidence to find another.
Nepal controlled play at the start of the second half but Kyrgyz Republic were more sharper with their attacks.
Towards the end of the match, Nikolai Iuzhanin's side began to pay more attention to their defence as Nepal went in search of the equaliser.
However, Kyrgyz Republic scored off a counter-attack in the dying seconds with Alimardon Shukurov hitting home.
Chhiring Lopsang: Nepal Head Coach
"Unfortunately we couldn't show great football. Our opponents played well and achieved a good result. The tournament is not over, and we will prepare to do well in our next match."
Nikolai Iuzhanin: Kyrgyz Republic Head Coach
"In the beginning, the players were worried but they were able to calm down and take control of the match. The team didn't give Nepal the opportunity to create any serious impact. It is good that we started with a victory but we still have things to work on."
Photos: AFC
Source: the-afc.com