Tue, 30 Nov, -0001
Kathmandu: Inaugural AFC Challenge Cup hosts Bangladesh got their campaign to reach the 2014 edition of the tournament back on track with a convincing 2-0 defeat AFC Challenge Cup 2014 qualifying Group D hosts Nepal on Monday.
Despite playing in front of a partisan crowd at the packed Dashrath Stadium, Bangladesh controlled the first half and were rewarded for their efforts in the 28th minute when Qatar referee Fahad Jaber Al-Marri awarded them a penalty, which was successfully converted by Rony.
Rony got his second of the game in the 57th minute as Bangladesh bounced back from their 1-0 loss to Palestine in their opening Group D fixture to keep alive their slim chances of a place in next year's finals.
The action reaches it's conclusion on Wednesday when Nepal take on qualification favourites Palestine and Bangladesh face a Northern Mariana side with nothing but pride to play for after going down 9-0 to Palestine in their second Group D fixture.
The top teams from each of the five qualifying groups gain entry to the finals while the two best second-placed sides will also join the top five and hosts Maldives in next year's tournament proper.
The winner of the 2014 AFC Challenge Cup will also receive a place in the AFC Asian Cup 2015 in Australia.