Nepal vs India SAFF Championship 2023 LIVE Score and Updates

That concludes Sportskeeda's live coverage of the clash between India and Nepal in the SAFF Championship 2023. This is Rahul signing off. 

The resounding chants of 'Chhetri, Chhetri' echoed throughout the Sree Kanteerava Stadium as the Indian captain once again emerges as the hero, guiding his team to a victory over Nepal and securing their place in the semi-finals of the SAFF Championship 2023. Although the final scoreline suggests a comfortable win for India, Nepal showcased their potential in the first half, creating numerous scoring opportunities. 

However, the Blue Tigers upped the ante in the second half, and coupled with the changes from Stimac, they bounced back and scored twice in the span of ten minutes. While Chhetri undoubtedly captured the attention of the Bengaluru crowd, Naorem Mahesh Singh played a significant role in India's triumph against Nepal. He assisted Chhetri with a pin-point cross for the opener, while also scoring his first goal in Indian colors to put the game to bed. Furthermore, the Blue Tigers' defense effectively rose to the occasion, maintaining their impeccable streak of eight clean sheets since the beginning of the year.

Having secured their place in the semi-finals, India are set to face Kuwait on Tuesday, June 27 at the same venue. The upcoming match will serve as a decisive showdown for the top position in Group A.

90+3 Free-kick for Nepal

Thapa gives away a free-kick in a dangerous area. However, Rohit Chand's effort sails over the bar. 

90' As India are defending deeper, Nepal are creating a few problems. Nevertheless, the Blue Tigers' back four remains resolute.

85' IND 2-0 NEP
 
India are looking to slow the tempo down, with Nepal committing men forward. 

81' Substitution for India: Sahal Abdul Samad makes way for Rahim Ali. 

75' Huge save by Limbu! 

This time, Chhangte enters the fray, utilizing his speed and finding room on the right side. Despite his well-struck right-footed attempt, Limbu once again denies India to keep his side in the game. 

72' IND 2-0 NEP

Substitutions for both sides: Pritam Kotal replaces Nikhil Poojary for India. Dipak Raj Singh comes in place of Bimal Magar for Nepal. 

69' INDIA SCORE AGAIN!

Sahal leads India's break away with his pass finding Chhetri. Chhetri skillfully maneuvers past two opposing players but sees his shot deflected over the crossbar by Limbu. However, Mahesh Singh finds himself in the right place at the right time to score his first goal for India. 

67' Change for Nepal: Nabin Lama replaces Arik Bista. 

64' IND 1-0 NEP

Emotions run high as players from both Nepal and India engage in a heated confrontation. However, both the teams escape bookings. 

62' Double change for India: Rohit Kumar and Udanta Singh are replaced by Jeakson Singh and Lallianzuala Chhangte 

60' GOOAAAAL!!!!

India finally take the lead and it's the skipper Sunil Chhetri again. The team swiftly executes a counter-attack, with Mahesh Singh's exceptional cross perfectly finding Chhetri, allowing him to easily tap the ball into the back of the net.

58' IND 0-0 NEP

Udanta Singh's long-range effort is once again blocked by Nepal. India are certainly struggling to create openings against a resolute Nepal defense. 

52' Corner for India

Sahal's shot from the edge of the box results in a corner for India. However, Nepal deal with the threat well, with the referee blowing his whistle for a foul on Ananta Tamang. 

48' Nepal create an early opening

Ayush Ghalan makes a marauding run on the left flank, beating Poojary, but his final pass is intercepted by Rohit Kumar. Tamang seizes the opportunity by winning the second ball, but his shot sails high over the goal.

46' THE SECOND HALF IS UNDERWAY!

No changes from both sides, with Nepal kicking off the proceedings. 

HALF TIME: Nepal 0-0 India

Nepal has undoubtedly posed significant challenges for India. While both sides have created scoring opportunities, Vincenzo Annese's team have been solid defensively while also coming close to finding the back of the net on multiple occasions. The Blue Tigers, meanwhile, have struggled to assert their control in the midfield, hindered by sloppy touches and indecisive final passes.

Amongst the Indian players, Sahal had the most influence, having a golden opportunity come his way. On the other end, Arik Bista has been orchestrating the game for Nepal, with Manish Dangi also having a few half-chances to score. India will be eager to turn their performance around in the second half in front of a packed Bengaluru crowd. 

45+2' IND 0-0 NEP

India win a corner, but Thapa's delivery is brilliantly collected by Kiran Kumar Limbu. 

43' Early change for Nepal: Anjan Bista's game seems to be over, with Awash Lamichhane replacing him. 

39' Chance for India!

Udanta Singh beats his marker and delivers a dangerous cross into the box. But Limbu's touch takes the ball away from Sahal, who made a run into the six-yard box. 

33' END TO END PLAY!

Nepal find themselves in a promising two-versus-one situation, but Dangi's poor cross is swiftly cleared by India's defense. The Blue Tigers hit Nepal on the break, but Sahal's decision making was poor as he loses possession. 

30' IND 0-0 NEP

Sahal, Mahesh Singh and Akash Mishra combine well on the left flank. Sahal skillfully evades several challenges but is eventually fouled near the corner flag, winning a free kick. However, nothing comes out of it as Nepal clear their lines. 

27'  A clash of heads between Anjan Bista and Rohit Kumar has resulted in a break in play. Unfortunately, Bista appears to have been more adversely affected by the collision but is back on his feet. 

25' IND 0-0 NEP

Arik Bista continues to impress from the middle of the park. His well-executed through ball nearly finds Manish Dangi's intelligent run. 

23' The scores are level, but both teams have shown intent and had their moments in the first quarter of the game. 

16' IND 0-0 NEP, WHAT A SAVE BY GURPREET!

Mehtab Singh successfully clears Nepal's inswinging corner, but the ball lands kindly at the feet of Arik Bista. Bista unleashes a powerful volley from the edge of the box, only to see Gurpreet Singh Sandhu make a smart save to deny the goal.

14' HUGE CHANCE FOR SAHAL!

Mahesh Singh and Akash Mishra combine on the left flank, before Mishra delivers an inch-perfect cross into the penalty box. Sahal, making a late run, misses the target from close range. 

10' India have now picked up momentum, with a few decent crosses from the flanks. Nepal, however, have looked dangerous on the break. 

8' A perfectly executed long diagonal pass from Mehtab Singh finds Mahesh Singh, but the winger's initial touch, coupled with the defender's swift closing down, has led to a goal-kick being awarded to Nepal.

5' IND 0-0 NEP

Nepal have made a promising start to the game, with some neat touches in midfield that have proven to be a source of frustration for the Indian players.

1' Foul from Nepal

The rain is getting heavier, with players already feeling the effect on the pitch. Naorem Mahesh Singh wins the first foul of the game inside India's own territory. 

1' KICK-OFF!
 
The referee has blown the whistle and India get the action underway. Join me, Rahul, as I guide you through this captivating encounter. 

The players have entered the field and it's time for the national anthems! 

The Sree Kanteerava Stadium was jam-packed despite heavy downpour during the clash between India and Pakistan. Once again, a significant crowd has gathered, accompanied by a gentle drizzle that greets the teams onto the pitch. 

Nepal starting lineup: Kiran Kumar Limbu, Sanish Shrestha, Ananta Tamang, Rohit Chand, Ayush Ghalan, Arik Bista, Bimal Gharti Magar, Anjan Bista, Devendra Tamang, Laken Limbu, Manish Dangi. 

India starting lineup: Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Nikhil Poojary, Rahul Bheke, Mehtab Singh, Akash Mishra, Rohit Kumar, Anirudh Thapa, Udanta Singh, Naorem Mahesh Singh, Sahal Abdul Samad, Sunil Chhetri. 

Entering into their second game of the SAFF Championship, India are in exceptional form, winning seven consecutive games since the turn of the year. Furthermore, the Blue Tigers have maintained an outstanding defensive record as they have not conceded a single goal throughout
this impressive streak.

A resounding 4-0 victory against arch-rivals Pakistan in front of a packed Sree Kanteerava Satdium in Bengaluru further showcased their
potential. Three points against Nepal today would ensure their spot in the semi-finals, given Kuwait's victory against Pakistan earlier in the day.

Sunil Chhetri was the chief architect when the Blue Tigers defeated Pakistan, with the Indian skipper scoring yet another hat-trick and taking his
tally to 90 international goals. While the hosts were clinical against the Men in Green, they now aim to capitalize on the momentum and further improve their performance. Head coach Igor Stimac, however, will not be making an appearance as he is suspended after being shown the red card in the last game. 

Meanwhile, Nepal struggled in their opening encounter against Kuwait, resulting in a 3-1 defeat. Their head coach Vincenzo Annese is a
well-known figure among the Indian football fraternity. The Gorkhalis will rely on Annese’s know-how of the league and the players to get a result against an in-form Indian side. While India are clear favorites to win the game, Nepal will hope to avoid mistakes and pose problems for the Indian defense on the counter-attack.

Greetings and a warm welcome to Sportskeeda's live coverage of the second group-stage match between India and Nepal in the SAFF
Championship 2023. The game will be held at the Sree Kantreerava Stadium in Bengaluru on Saturday, June 24. This is Rahul and I’ll guide you through the battle between the 2021 SAFF Championship finalists.