Kathmandu, November 17

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal on Thursday said winning AFC Solidarity Cup title was the biggest achievement in Nepali football and the success made the whole nation proud.

Dahal said so during the felicitation programme held at his official residence in Baluwatar. Nepal beat Macau 1-0 in the final to win the Solidarity Cup title on Tuesday.

“Winning three consecutive medals is the biggest achievement and the feats by the football team have inspired the youths,” said Dahal.

Nepali national football team won the Bangabandhu Gold Cup in Bangladesh in January, while the U-23 team claimed football gold medal in the South Asian Games in India in February.

Dahal said that Dasharath Stadium would be ready at the earliest. “We are also working on a plan to construct a central stadium,” said Dahal. The government on Wednesday announced the reward of Rs 300,000 each to the members of the team.

All Nepal Football Association Vice-president Mani Kunwar said they were not able to organise football tournaments as Dasharath Stadium was not in condition to host event due to last year’s devastating earthquake.

“We could have organised football tournaments had the stadium been reconstructed,” he said.

“Organising football competitions not only will develop us technically but also act as strong base for financial support,” Kunwar added.

Head coach Gyotoku Koji said he wanted to keep the winning momentum in upcoming competitions as well. “We played four matches in the Solidarity Cup and we had to work hard through out the competition. We want to keep the momentum going in future as well,” said Koji.

Vice-captain Biraj Maharjan said the success would be a strong factor to motivate  aspiring footballers. “All the team members gave their full efforts in the competition and this achievement will also support for the development of football in the country,” said Maharjan.

Similarly, goalkeeper Kiran Kumar Limbu said saving two penalties was the happiest moment for him.

“It’s of course a moment of happiness as I put my best effort to win the semi-final match against Laos.

The match was like final for us,” said Limbu.

Nepal defeated Laos 3-0 on penalties after both the teams were tied at 2-2 in regulation and extra time.