Nepal crash out despite resounding victory
DHAKA: Nepal crash out of the SAFF Championship despite a resounding 3-0 win over Afghanistan here at the Bangabandhu Stadium today.
Nepal did exactly what they needed — a three-goal cushion in their victory — and waited impatiently for a favourable result in the day's other match between India and Maldives. However, Maldives beat India 2-0 to top the Group 'A' with seven points. India advanced as runners up in the last four with six points while Nepal ended up third with four. Had India beaten the defending champions, Nepal would have progressed at the expense of Maldives.
In the early match of the day, I-League outfit Shillong Lajong striker Anil Gurung scored a brace and Nabil Three Star Club midfielder Vijay Gurung added another for Nepal. It was Lajong striker's third international goal for his country. Anil put Nepal ahead in the 56th minute, controlling a cross from Chetan Ghimire before firing into the net. Vijay doubled their lead only a minute later. Anil again converted on a cross from Chetan to add his second goal of the day. Anil chest-controlled the ball and shot past the Afghanistan goalkeeper.
Nepali coach Krishna Thapa praised his team's performance today. Thapa said the second half substitution was the turning point of the game. "I am happy that we finally won," said Thapa adding that luck had deserted them until today.
"Irrespective of the result, my boys were excellent throughout the tournament," said Thapa. He also boosted that the team will perform well in any of the regional tournaments now on. Afghanistan coach Yusuf Kargar blamed their fragile defence for the defeat. "They (Nepal) capitalised on our defensive errors," said Kargar.
New Road Team midfielder Ranjit Shrestha, an ANFA Academy product, made the national team debut when he replaced Chetan in the 89th minute. Meanwhile, Nepal Police Club defender Rakesh Shrestha made his first appearance in the tournament, replacing Vijay in the second half injury time. Nepal made two changes to the squad that played against India on Monday. Robin Shrestha was preferred ahead of Anjan KC while Santosh Sahukhala replaced Sandeep Rai.
ANFA prez announces cash prize
DHAKA: All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) President Ganesh Thapa announced Rs 20,000 each to the Nepali team members after their 3-0 win over Afghanistan in the SAFF Championship here on Wednesday. Thapa said that he announced the award to boost the morale of the team, who played exceptionally well but failed to produce good results. ANFA President is here with vice-presidents Lalit Krishna Shrestha and Kumar Thapa along with treasurer Birat Krishna Shrestha.
Women, U-19 football in offing
DHAKA: South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) is considering to organise the Women and Under-19 Football Tournament in near future. The newly elected SAFF president Kaji Mohammed Salauddin informed that they will organise the two tournaments very soon. Reminding their decision to organise South Asian Club Championship, Salauddin said the Women's and U-19 Championship will further help develop the standard of football in the region. The SAFF President also said that he will initiate to scrap the provision that allows a club to sign only limited numbers of foreign players.
