KATHMANDU: Nepal made a winning start in the SAFF U-17 Championship, defeating hosts Sri Lanka 2–0 in the opening match held in Colombo.

Nepal’s Samir Kumar scored both goals, leading his team to a comfortable win. He netted the first goal in the 23rd minute and sealed the victory with another goal in the 75th minute.

With this victory, Nepal earned three points in their first group stage match, making a strong start in the tournament. Nepal will face Bangladesh in their next fixture.