A dreadful mistake by goalkeeper Kiran Kumar Limbu and a string of missed chances, including a penalty-retake by midfielder Rohit Chand, ended hosts Nepal's dreams of reaching the first final of the SAFF Championship, as they got beaten by last edition's finalists Afghanistan 1-0 in a high-voltage clash at the Dasharath Rangasala Stadium in Kathmandu yesterday.

It was a repeat of the semifinal of the last edition and on that occasion too, Afghanistan had prevailed 1-0 after an extra-time goal from Belal Arezou. This time, the home side came into the match with plenty of momentum and were looking to avenge the last edition's defeat, but despite getting plenty of help from a generous referee, fell painfully short at the end.

The hosts will be kicking themselves at having conceded a soft 11th minute goal after Kiran failed to gather a regulation cross from Afghanistan winger Mustafa Azadzoy, leaving striker Sanjar Ahmadi with a simple tap-in.

The Gorkhalis found enough chances to equalise from open play in both halves before they were awarded with a controversial penalty kick in the 85th minute. The penalty resulted after Afghanistan goalie Mansur Fagiryar, who put in a matchwinning performance, seemingly kneed a Nepalese player after having already taken the ball in his control.

The Saudi Arabian referee pointed to the spot, much to the chagrin of the irate Afghanistanis. But Rohit, who missed the first two matches though injury, saw his effort well parried by the Afghan goalie. Further angering the Afghans, the referee called for a retake, after conferring with his linesman, as one of the Afghan players had reportedly encroached the box before the kick had been taken. Rohit stepped up once again, but with a chance to redeem himself he could only place a feebler attempt at the same corner that was easily gathered by Fargiyar.

Nepal found more chances to equalise during the seven minutes of stoppage time, but Fargiyar's brilliance and incredible misses from the Nepalese meant there would still be no maiden final forthe football crazy nation.

Afghanistan, on the other hand, deservedly made it through to their second successive SAFF Championship final, despite being on the wrong end of the physical play of the Nepalese and some controversial refereeing decisions.

The highest-ranked South Asian side will now face the winners of the second semifinal between India and Maldives, which will take place at the same venue today, in the final on Wednesday.