Nepal earn hard-fought victory against resilient Saudi Arabia

A late goal by Sukriya Miya earned Nepal their first victory in the AFC U-20 Women's Asian Cup Qualifiers campaign.

Both sides came into the tie in search of a win but it was Nepal who enjoyed the lion’s share of possession with Saudi keeper Fajar Sakkaf kept on her toes.

The West Asian side played in patches and came close at the half-hour mark with Maram Alyahya almost finding the target from distance.

Nepal’s aggression came to fruition after they were awarded a penalty only for Meena Deuba to be denied by the woodwork in the 38th minute.

Saudi Arabia almost found the back of the net four minutes from half-time after Lama Alshathry weaved her way into the box before shooting the ball over the bar from close range.

Saudi Arabia kept Nepal at bay for the most of the second half before Sakkaf was finally beaten in the 90th minute.

Deuba’s cutback into the box found an unmarked Miya, who converted coolly past the Saudi Arabia custodian to earn Nepal their first win.