The players and the coaches of Nepali team are upbeat to make this opportunity a historic one. "We will put all our strength to make this chance a historic one," Nepal´s assistant coach Megh Raj KC told Republica over telephone. [break]
Since the beginning of SAFF Championship, the greatest football festival of the sub-continent, in 1997, Nepal has never crossed the semifinal stage. It was only during the 1999 Goa SAFF, Nepal had made it to the semifinal, but crashed out of the event after suffering a loss at the hand of Maldives. Since then, Nepal has never advanced beyond the group stage.
This is also the first time that Afghanistan, which appeared in the sub-continental event for the first time in 2003, has made it to the knockout stage of SAFF Championship. Thus, not only Nepal, but Afghanistan too will come out in full force.
Looking at the past records, Nepal has had upper hands over Afghanistan. The two countries have so far played four matches including three international official and one invitational match. Nepal has won all three official matches while played 2-2 draw during Merdeka Cup in 2002.
The last time these two countries met was during the qualifying match of AFC Challenge Cup on April 7 earlier this year in Kathmandu. On that occasion, Nepal had defeated Afghanistan 1-0 with a lone goal from Bharat Khawas.
However, the result and performance of Afghanistan in the current SAFF is a proof that Afghanistan has improved a lot within last two years. In its group match, Afghanistan played 1-1 draw against India, beat Sri Lanka 3-1 and thumped Bhutan 8-1 to finish top of the group.
To stop Afghani striker Belal Arezo, the highest scorer of SAFF, will be a herculean task for Nepali defenders. Afgani team is also studded with a couple of players who play football in Europe. Arezo, who plays league in Norway, tops the scoring chart with five goals in his name.
But coach Graham Roberts is confident of his defense line up to be handled by skipper Sagar Thapa, Rohit Chand, Sandeep Rai and Biraj Maharjan. Defender Rabin Shrestha is likely to be replaced by Bikash Singh Chhetri.
Similarly, Bharat Khawas, Raju Tamang and Bhola Silwal are likely to be the first choice players in the midfield. Silwal is likely to take the place of Bijay Gurung who has sustained groin injury. Santosh Sahukhala and Jumanu Rai will play role as forwards and the post as usual will be guarded by Kiran Chemjong.
"The match against Afghanistan is vital for us and we are prepared for it," Nepal´s skipper Thapa said.
"The biggest asset we have is the team spirit and I don´t think anyone can stop us. All the players are enthusiastic and they will do everything needed for victory," KC said, adding, "We have analyzed the weaknesses and strength of Afghani team and have set the plans accordingly."
Nepal´s probable starting line up
Goalkeeper: Kiran Chemjong
Defenders: Biraj Maharjan, Rohit Chand, Sagar Thapa, Sandeep Rai, Biraj Maharjan
Midfielders: Bhola Silwal, Bharat Khawas, Raju Tamang
Forwards: Santosh Sahukhala, Jumanu Rai
Past records
2003 Nepal 4-0 Afghanistan 13th Asian Cup
2008 Nepal 2-2 Afghanistan Mardeka Cup (Invitational)
2009 Nepal 3-0 Afghanistan 6th SAFF Championship
2011 Nepal 1-0 Afghanistan AFC Challenge Cup Qualifiers
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