New Delhi: Nepal scored their first victory over Bangladesh in 18 years when skipper Sagar Thapa scored an injury-time goal in the SAAF Championship, at the Nehru Stadium, on Sunday.

The victory also brightened Nepal’s chances of reaching the semi-finals from Group B as they now have four points from two matches. Their first match against Maldives ended in a 1-1 draw on the opening day.

The all-important goal was the result of a free-kick after Bangladesh defender Mamun Miyah brought down an overlapping Rabin Shreshta well outside the box.

The Nepal bench was ecstatic when Thapa’s free kick floated into the box, sailed over the defence and then dipped into the net leaving goalkeeper Shaidul Islam stranded. It also devastated Bangladesh, who have now only one point from two matches.

Thapa later said he was determined to score from the free-kick. “I knew time was running out and this was our last chance. I had been practising this free-kick for some time… Thank God it happened,” said the hero of the day.

Bangladesh, on their part, also missed a few opportunities to score. While Mishu was the first to waste a chance when he failed to shot in a cross from Mithun Chowdhury, he later had another try at the goal, which was saved by Nepal custodian.

In the other match of the day, Pakistan drew goalless with Maldives. This was the second drawn encounter for both the team, who have two points from as many matches.