Nepal failed to qualify for AFC Challenge Cup going to be held in Maldives. Nepal finished 3rd in the Group D qualifiers behind Palestine and Bangladesh. It failed to utilize the home advantage and let down thousands of spectators in the stadium and Nepali around the world. As always seen, its inability to score goals acted as a major problem. It scored 6 goals against lowly Northern Mariana Island which was not even a contest, but failed to score against both Bangladesh and Palestine.
The loss to Bangladesh was a major setback to Nepal. The score line does not reflect the performance, but when you do not make chances count, you are left helpless. That game however was marred by bad referee decision. Nepal conceded a penalty which never seemed to be one. On many other times, linesman made mistake in their offside decision. The referee decision made crowd very restless and they showed their frustration by throwing various things in the ground and stopped play for some time. Bangladeshis were not helping either, going down softly and wasting time. Nepal was playing good in possession and created a lot of chances, but the finishing touches were never there. Some ball went marginally wide, some hit the bar and as the game progressed, Nepal did not seem like scoring. Nepal conceded the second goal in what was the best passage of play for them. The absolutely vocal crowds were stunned and their frustration crept in the players in the field too. Nepal was unable to use the ball against them and had to face defeat leaving uphill task against Palestine to qualify for the Challenge Cup.
Nepal played highly spirited game against Palestine. The game ended in a nil-nil draw which was not enough for Nepal to qualify for second round. Nepal’s performance was highly improved in the game. The players in the wing were highly involved throughout the game. Nepal also won the battle of midfield. However, Nepal could do nothing to score against a highly physical side. The defense was organized and was able to secure a clean sheet. Both sides created a handful of chances but were unable to open the scoring. Nepal has lot of positives to take from the game.
The loss to Bangladesh was a major setback to Nepal. The score line does not reflect the performance, but when you do not make chances count, you are left helpless. That game however was marred by bad referee decision. Nepal conceded a penalty which never seemed to be one. On many other times, linesman made mistake in their offside decision. The referee decision made crowd very restless and they showed their frustration by throwing various things in the ground and stopped play for some time. Bangladeshis were not helping either, going down softly and wasting time. Nepal was playing good in possession and created a lot of chances, but the finishing touches were never there. Some ball went marginally wide, some hit the bar and as the game progressed, Nepal did not seem like scoring. Nepal conceded the second goal in what was the best passage of play for them. The absolutely vocal crowds were stunned and their frustration crept in the players in the field too. Nepal was unable to use the ball against them and had to face defeat leaving uphill task against Palestine to qualify for the Challenge Cup.
Nepal played highly spirited game against Palestine. The game ended in a nil-nil draw which was not enough for Nepal to qualify for second round. Nepal’s performance was highly improved in the game. The players in the wing were highly involved throughout the game. Nepal also won the battle of midfield. However, Nepal could do nothing to score against a highly physical side. The defense was organized and was able to secure a clean sheet. Both sides created a handful of chances but were unable to open the scoring. Nepal has lot of positives to take from the game.
Nepali supporter are left heartbroken once again. The support from them has not been justified by the players in the field. The spirit as well as pace of Nepali players fades out as the game progresses. We understand that players try to perform the best, but spectators like to see that seen in the field. Performance of players like Bharat Khawas, Jagjeet Shrestha, and Robin Shrestha were outstanding. Other players have to improve their performance. The coaches have some time before the next tournament and they should be involved in improving the overall performance of Nepal.
Nepal’s next tournament is SAFF Championship to be organized at home. It is the only tournament that realistically we are capable of winning. As the coaches have already said, they want Nepal to be the best team in South Asia. Nepal has not won the South Asian Cup for a long time and there is desperation now to win that tournament. With pride and rivalry involved, you can only imagine what the scenes will be like at the stadium. The supporters will be there to support Nepal whatever happens.
The preparation to that tournament should start from now. ANFA has to provide coaches the facility that they require. Nepal needs international exposure; hence international friendly should be organized. ANFA has done a good job by providing 50000 to every player. That will keep players motivated to perform good in the tournament. Nepal has to win the SAFF to stamp their authority in football in South Asia otherwise the excitement and passion in people about football may fade out.
PS: This blog post first published on 7 march 2013 in Other blog. It was also published in GoalNepal.com's website on March 7.
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