Pakistan gifted an early lead to India in the 14th minute and failed to make a comeback despite its dogged effort throughout the remaining time. Pakistan skipper Samar Ishaq hit at his own post following misunderstanding between him and the other defender Kamran Khan entangled at the danger zone to clear Niraml Chhetri´s cross.[break]
Despite receiving the early jolt, Pakistan came up with better performance than the five-time champion, and dominated match throughout the first half and early moments of the second half. Pakistan created as many as five brilliant opportunities before the interval. But Indian custodian Subrata Paul made some superb saves to prevent Pakistani side studded with five Europe-based players including former Premier League side defender Zeshan Rehman. He became the second Premier League player to play in Nepal after Ali Al-Habsi of Oman who played in Kathmandu during the 2007 World Cup Qualifier.
Following the result, Nepal and India have three points each in group A, but Nepal occupies top position on the basis of goals superiority while Bangladesh and Pakistan are yet to open account in the points table.
India, that looked lackluster before the interval took the match under control during later stage of the second half and made nearly half a dozen of attempts on goal in vain.
"We were lucky to get the goal, but not satisfied with the performance of the team," India´s Dutch coach Win Koevermans said at the post match conference. "We made some changes in the second half and that turned the match dynamics." The Dutchman described midfielder Syed Rahim Nabi´s inclusion in the second half as an important substitution. Kovermans, however, said that he was confident to get the winning result.
Pakistan´s coach Shaazad Anwar opined that his side was short of luck on Sunday and lost the match. "It was a lucky evening for India and though we lost the match I am satisfied with the performance of my side," said Anwar. "I was hopeful of our side score because there was 60 minutes remaining of the match. But we missed too many chances."
Pakistan´s right winger Md Adil came up with instrumental performance throughout the match and created numerous opportunities, but none of his teammates could capitalize on them. In the 24th, Md Riaz fired inches above the target in Adil´s cross. Pakistan narrowly missed the equalizing chance in the 35th after Hasan Basir´s low ball strike from the edge set by Adil hit the upright. In the 41st, Indian custodian Paul made a long stretch dive to prevent Basir strike. A minute later, skipper Ishaq´s bouncing header in Adnan Farooq Ahmed´s corner went off the target. One minute before the interval Indian custodian Paul denied a well placed scorcher by Kalim Kullah. Pakistan also wasted two other chances in the second half.
During the later stage of the match, India skipper Sunil Chhetri´s five attempts on goal went in vain. Chhetri has not been able to score in Nepal in tournaments so far.
In the 64th, Chhetri was denied on one-on-one situation by Pakistani custodian Yousaf Ejaz Butt. Four minutes later Butt prevented Chhetri´s quick scorcher from 25 yards. Chhetri missed other chances in the 75th, 79th and 81st minutes.
There will be two matches on Monday with Afghanistan taking on Bhutan at the APF ground in Halchowk and Maldives locking horns with Sri Lanka at the Dasharath Stadium.
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