KATHMANDU, March 22: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli congratulated the Nepali football team on their historic victory against Singapore. He posted a picture of the players on social media and extended his best wishes for Nepal's win over Singapore.
"Congratulations, Nepal! Nepal has secured its first-ever victory against Singapore after 43 years since their first match. Congratulations to everyone!" he wrote.
Nepal secured a 1-0 victory over Singapore in an international friendly match at Singapore's National Stadium on Friday evening.
Emerging striker Gillespie Jung Karki scored the decisive goal that led Nepal to a historic victory over Singapore in an international friendly football match.
Singapore records highest number of suicides in over 20 years
On Friday, Nepal defeated the home team 1-0 at Singapore’s National Stadium. Nepal outplayed Singapore, a team ranked 15 places higher, achieving a significant milestone.
As part of their AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers preparations, Nepal started strong with this friendly match against Singapore. Additionally, newly appointed head coach Matt Ross guided Nepal to victory in his very first match, making history by securing the team’s first-ever win over Singapore.
Gillespie Jung Karki scored in the 12th minute, giving Nepal the lead. He skillfully finished Manish Dangi’s cross from the right side with a one-touch strike, marking his third goal for Nepal.
After taking the lead, head coach Matt Ross shifted Nepal to a defensive strategy, which worked as they held onto their advantage to secure the win. Singapore attempted to challenge, but captain and goalkeeper Kiran Kumar Limbu denied their efforts.
Coach Ross also introduced Suman Shrestha and Subash Bam Thakuri for their debuts during the match.
Nepal and Singapore met on the field for the first time since 1989. After 36 years, Nepal secured a victory in their latest encounter. The last time Nepal played against Singapore was in the 1989 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, where Nepal suffered a heavy 7-0 defeat. In another World Cup qualifying match that year, Nepal lost 3-0 to Singapore.
Before that, in the 1982 King’s Cup, Nepal also faced a 2-0 defeat against Singapore. Nepal played this friendly match as part of their preparations for the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers.
Nepal will next face Malaysia on Tuesday in the third round of the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers. Nepal is in Group ‘F’ alongside Vietnam and Laos, with the top-ranked team earning a spot in the Asian Cup.