Bista scores hat trick as Nepal down Bangladesh

By A Staff Reporter

Kathmandu, Sept 28 : Striker Anjan Bista scored a hat trick as Nepal humbled Bangladesh 3-1 in the international friendly match organized to mark FIFA Day at Dasarath Stadium, Kathmandu on Tuesday.

The result meant Nepal remained unbeaten in the last five matches against Bangladesh. 

After scoring his first international treble, Bista also became the sixth player to score a hat trick for Nepal. Ganesh Thapa, Naresh Joshi, Nirajan Rayamajhi, Bharat Khawas and Nawayug Shrestha were the previous hat trick scorers for Nepal. 

Striker Bista scored in the 18th, 27th and 38th minutes to complete his hat trick. He also became the first Nepali player to complete a treble in the first half.

Player of the match Anjan Bista, who was pleased to wear the national jersey after a long break, dedicated his goals to all. "I would like to dedicate my goals to everyone. I always believe in the team's victory, not on my individual goal numbers," Forward Bista said. 

His international goal tally also reached 10 goals to join with Anil Gurung and Bharat Khawas, who have also scored 10 goals. Bista is four goals shy from becoming the top scorer for Nepal. Nirajan Rayamajhi and Hari Khadka are at the top of the scorer's list with equal 13 goals.

The three-goal cushion in the first half was enough to give Acting coach Pradip Humagain a first win on his debut match in Nepal job. 

The win bolsters the prospect of Humagain, who was appointed in absence of Abdullah Almuitairi, continuing a Nepal job after the win. Humagain led Three Star to the A Division League title during the 2012-13 season.

Humagain gave all the credit to his players and their hard work. "From today, my duty as acting coach ended here. I am here only for the friendly against Bangladesh. I would like to thank all for their warm welcome," Humagain said.

"I don’t know what will happen in the future but this victory will make a change in my career," he added.

Forward duo Aashish Chaudhary and Ritik Khadka made their national team debut. Coach Humagain sent both in the second half. 

Chaudhary replaced Bimal Gharti Magar and Khadka substituted Sesehang Angdembe.

Bista opened Nepal's account in the 18th minute through a header. He headed home to the cross provided by Bimal Gharti Magar from the right corner.

On fire, Bista doubled the tally in the 27th minute from the 18-yard box in the rebound. Magar assisted a ball to Tej Tamang, whose strike was warded off by Bangladeshi goalkeeper Anisur Rahman only to be scored by Bista.

Bista completed his hat-trick in the 38th minute. His towering header from inside the box to the free kick off Bishal Rai sent 8665 home supporters on ruptures.

Mohammad Tutul cut the deficit for Bangladesh in the 57th minute through a stunning diving header goal after Nepali defender Sesehang Angdembe made a poor clearance in the risk zone.

Though the visitors dominated the second half with as many attacks on the Nepali area, they could not materialize their attempts.

After suffering a defeat, Bangladeshi head coach Javier Cabrera said that the match against the home team was a tough one.

"We conceded unnecessary goals in the first half. Though my boys played well in the second half and scored one goal, we could not covert the chances against the host."