Nepal’s footballing past
In 1993, the first edition of the SAFF Cup, Nepal finished third. Similarly, Nepal finished fourth in the following edition. Nepal failed to go through the group stage in the third edition, which was held in Kathmandu in 1997. In 1999, Nepal finished fourth. In 2003, 2005, 2008, and 2009 Nepal were knocked out from the group stage.
However, Nepal managed to reach semi-finals in back to back ninth and tenth edition. Nepal lost those both semi-finals to Afghanistan. In 2015, Nepal was yet again knocked out of the three teams group A. Nepal was surprisingly defeated by Sri Lanka. Thanks to the stoppage time goal followed by 4-1 defeat to India.
Afghanistan Curse
Whether it can be accepted or not, but in past years Afghanistan has been standing as a curse for Nepali football in the regional game. Nepal was defeated by Afghanistan in back to back semi-finals of two different editions of SAFF Championship.
SAFF U-17 Championship: India defeats Nepal to clinch title
In 2011, Nepal lost to Afghanistan because of the 101st minute by Afghanistan. Similarly, in 2013 as well, Nepal lost to the Afghani side. That time, Rohit Chand missed back to back penalties. However, since then, Rohit Chand has established himself as one of the best players Nepal ever had.
Nonetheless, Afghanistan is no longer a South Asian nation. Now, they are not participating in the SAFF Championship anymore. So, the curse is over now.
Mighty India
How can we ignore our rivalry with the ‘mighty India’? Nepali fans give up everything just to watch Nepal play against India. Nepal defeated India in the 2013 SAFF Cup. That was probably the best moment ever for Nepali fans. The Indian side will be the toughest opponent for Nepal this time as well.
Difficult but not Impossible
Nepal has always the favorites in the regional tournaments. Back in 2011, 2013, 2015, Nepal was favorites to win the championship. So, this time as well, we are the favorites. We are strong enough to defeat any nations in South Asia. With Afghanistan out from the race, and Indian team sending their youth side, the hope is even sturdier. I won’t say easier because it is never easy.
Nepali players must be committed. They should play for their nation rather than themselves. We merely have problems with the goalkeeper. The problems seemed to be in the defensive line. Even in the absence of Rabin Shrestha, who has been the perfect left back for the Nepali team, Nepal’s defense line looked fragile. Midfield portion will be led by Rohit Chand. Similarly, we have many options in the attacking position. With the likes of Bharat Khawas, Bimal Magar, Nawayug Shrestha, and Anjan Bista in the forward line, it will be a headache for Coach Bal Gopal Maharjan to pick the perfect duo.
Lamichhane is studying Mechanical Engineering at Kathmandu University.
