Football

Forward Anjan Bista's second-half strike gave Nepal a 1-0 victory over Pakistan in a friendly international at the Dashrath Stadium on Wednesday.

The hosts were quickly off to attacking mode, with Bimal Gharti Magar going close to scoring in the opening minute of the match. But he was slow to pull the trigger. 

Pakistan, playing their first international in almost three years after the lifting of the ban by the game's world body FIFA, had a good opportunity for a lead in the 11th minute. 

However, forward Waheed Khan spurned a pass from Alamghir Ghanji and Nepal goalkeeper Deep Karki quickly averted the danger.

Pakistan looked dangerous in counter-attacks towards the end of 45 minutes, but the hosts' defence stood firm.

The second half proceeded slowly as both teams opted for safety over speed. With the match entering the last 10 minutes without score, a draw appeared to be the more likely result. 

However, after a superb run in the 83rd minute, Sunil Bal whipped in a teasing cross, and Bista slotted it into the back of the Pakistani net for his 11th international goal.