EXCLUSIVE PREVIEW: Nepal U16 v India U16

Columnist: Ram Gurung

Nepalifootball.com

Nepal into the semis

Nepal U16 entered the semis by winning against Sri Lanka U16 side which opened the flood gate in the second half of the encounter. The defeated side will be playing the playoff against the Maldives after the semi finals of the tournament. As previously analysed Nepal had to score with goal difference of more than four to qualify as group winners. And they did with a G.D. of +6. Impressive performance by the team.

Nepalifootball.com on the spot 

Our senior correspondent was there to observe the match and got a opportunity to capture the moments on senior side manager Graham Roberts, ANFA president Ganesh Thapa and former Nepali senior side captain and legendary defender Raju Shakya. Check out the pictures.

Tough call but Nepal U16 may just win the title

Nepal Senior side won the title at home soil in 1984 and repeated the feat in 1993 in SAG. We haven't been able to conquer the Subcontinent in more than a decade time. This U16 team shows more courage and even more hope for the titles to come. The U16 team showed maturity in the second match by converting all those chances they made. The recent encounter was the senior Nepal side was nailed 4-0 by Indian side in 2008 SAFF cup. But in recent times, like Maldives once ranked above Nepal and other countries have been taking more damage than expected. Similarly once countries like Bhutan which conceded lot of goals have been able to reduce the goal margin. The analysis is that the countries are becoming more and more competitive and lacking at the same time. Each team reaching the semis have scored goals of 5 or more. Owing to the public's perception to India, the stadium will overflow and minute number of India U16 team and its supporters may just give up. Nepal are clear favourite for the semis owing  to home advantage. Continue reading to know why. 

Match against India more than a semi final match

Nepal has lot of political, economical and spiritual relationship with India from many Dynasties of  rulers and recent Kings to fellow Governments. Everything on the papers may be politically correct to alleviate the sourness between the countries but on the streets, it is more personal than anything. It is as personal as it gets. This is the most anticipated 'Grudge Game' and 'Derby game' in recent times. And the tensions in the public will definitely rise up when both sides meet for the berth in final match. This is U16 level and this will assess the development of each country at grass root level.  

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Why Nepal should be wary about Subcontinent counterparts

Columnist: Ram Gurung
Nepalifootball.com


Why India, Bangladesh and Pakistan are teams still a threat against Nepalese team

Nepal is on top of SAFF rankings with respect to the FIFA. But there are some issues that can raise your eyebrows. India can cope up regardless of their cricketing fanatic supporters owing to larger population. And they still have a bright scope and market for that. They have several academies, regional leagues and national leagues. So when the player filters through those ranks, they are ready to take challenge at very high level. The league in Nepal is just evolving in rapid after a halt owing to political and economical issues. Bangladesh is always a strong team in football but Pakistan are also ready to show they have something. The Pakistani football is developing as there are numerous British but Pakistani origin players in English Football clubs such as Tranmere Rovers and Porthmadog F.C. This inspires the young players and the community as a whole to develop from the grass root level. In terms of Nepal, we have unfortunate attempts regarding the players. Either we have lost our National players or the transfers haven't been successful. Nepal's first World Cup Qualifier hat trick star Nirajan Rayamajhi, Star Winger Basant Gauchan, Star defener Lok Bandhu Gurung and Current star striker Anil Gurung are some of the chapters. But Rohit Chand may change all this.

Sri Lanka takes a major hit owing to Cricket worship

Sri Lanka are a strong senior side which drew with Nepal senior in Dasarath Rangashala for the AFC Challenge Cup qualifiers but there was no metal in their junior side. The majority of the nation following the cricket may be inspiring the larger population of kids into bowling action than the kicking action. Sri Lanka U16 conceded 12 goals in two matches and scored only two. This demonstrated Sri Lanka can lose to make their senior squad stronger in upcoming years.

Limited population Maldives cannot cope up with rest of the Subcontinent 

Maldives was once a subcontinent power house has now waned among the back runners. The island country which have been feared of being drowned into the Indian Ocean owing to the increase of sea level has not performed well in this tournament. The Australian government has come forward  to give islanders the citizenship. But with this performance, Nepalifootball.com does not believe that any players might be featuring in Socceroos colours. Socceroos is the nick name of Australian National side. The another backdrop may be the population of the country with limited spaces while the country has only one stadium in the country. Maldives lost both matches without scoring one.    

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Nepal routs Sri Lanka 6-0

6 August, 2011

Kathmandu, Nepal

Nepalifootball.com

Nepalese team routed Sri Lankan team 6-0 in their 2nd match of 1st SAFF under-16 Championship football tournament at Dasharath Stadium, Kathmandu.

Nepalese U16 team went to attack straight from the start against the minnow Sri Lanka U16 team. In the 2nd minute Chaudhary tried a long range shot which sailed slightly away from the goal, which nevertheless showed intention of Nepalese team. Rishi Thapa followed it with a shot on 4th minute which went straight to goalie. 


Finally Nepalese team were rewarded of their superb performance in 14th minute with a easy goal from Suman Lama courtesy of some sloppy keeping by the Srilankan goalie. Bibek Basnet’s fine strike hitthe crossbar a minute later. Biswash Shrestha’s left footed shot was brilliantly parried by Srinlankan goalie in 28th minute. Despite dominating the match Nepal were only able to lead the Sri Lankan team by a solitary goal by the end of first half.

Nepal didn’t wasted anytime to double the lead in the 2nd half. Rungri Rai scored a goal giving 2-0 lead in the match in 48th minute. This was followed by a wonderful goal by Suman Lama in 58th minute. Suman dazzled past three defenders before slotting the ball right inside the goal. Nepal really didn’t allowed Srilankan team to control the match as they were busy defending against all out attack of Nepalese team. Biswas Shrestha managed to make the score line 4-0 with a powerful shot from outside the D-box. 


Rishi Thapa’s wonderful play throughout the match finally paid up in 68th minute with a superb solo goal as he went past two defenders before placing the ball inside the net. Rishi scored his 2nd goal of the match 2 minutes later. Nepal created many chances time and again but could not add anymore goals further in the match. Even rain played some part by making the ground sloppey. 


Nevertheless Nepal will take this victory with both hands and they now will be group winners in Group B. Nepal will now meet India U16 team in the semi-finals.

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Nepal U16 measures India and Pakistan as they play minnows Sri Lanka U16 today

6th August

Ram Gurung,

Columnist: Nepalifootball.com

India U16 and Pakistan U16 have already qualified to the semis as they await their opponents from Group B. India thrashed the Goal droughted Maldives 5-0. Maldives awaits Nepal or Sri Lanka from Group B for the fifth place playoff.

Talking about the goal drought, Nepal U16 has not been able to open an account regardless of myriad chances against Bangladesh. Nepal U16 who will be playing the final group game on Saturday will be focusing to convert the chances in the final third. Nepal requires goal difference of four or better without conceding the goal and more than four if conceded a goal to qualify as group winners. Nepalese team are confident that they will do what ever to make the Nepalese supporters proud.

Nepal U16 looks better in both paper and in the field but the only disappointing factor is the scoreline. Nepalifootball.com and Nepalese fan expects more from the young team. Majority of the Nepalifootball.com fans predicted 2-0 win to Nepal. Nepal will meet India if they win the group otherwise they will meet mighty Pakistan which won both of their group matches. Heman Gurung will be on spotlight today.

Tune into Nepalifootball.com for latest updates.

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Photo Gallery

Nepal U16 playing against Sri Lanka U16 (SAFF U16 cup)

ANFA President Ganesh Thapa Observing the game

Nepal's National Manager Graham Roberts with players in the bench

Former Nepal National team captain and Legend Raju Shakya

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Supporter(s) of the Week

Send in your pictures supporting National team, Local team or any football team to get your place in this space. The pictures will be posted in the front page as well as stays here for an week starting Friday.

Send them to: info@nepalifootball.com

This week's Fan of the Week: Roshan Lechharbo, Sagun Rai, Shabda Shrestha and Dipesh Shrestha (behind the camera)

Description: National Jersey (printed nepalifootball.com) and National Flag in the Everest Base Camp

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10 men Bangladesh U16 shares spoils with Nepal U16

Ram Gurung

Columnist, Nepalifootball.com

4 August

Dasarath Rangashala

The confident U16 Nepal National team has drawn against the strong Bangladesh side which scored 6 goals against Sri Lanka. Heman Gurung and his teammate squandered a series of chances in this tie. The team looked more sharper in the second third of the pitch but clinical finishing was lacking. This indicates the lack of match practice at higher level. It looks that Nepal still have to wait more time for natural goal scorers. 

Majority of the attempts taken by the home team were either outside the goal frame or straight to the keeper. One of the attempts was seen just deflected off the crossbar.This shows the team needs to work on scoring as well as game play. As Nepal misses one chance after another, the  Bangladeshi team were man down in the stoppage time of the match. Bijoy Sarkar was shown second yellow of the match. He was booked just minutes ago the second one. Heman Gurung's resulting freekick was then again straight to the keeper.

Overall, Nepalese U16 showed a glimpse of bright future. The U16 national team not only nullified the strong Bangladesh team but also dominated the match. After sharing a point, Nepal is placed second in Group B. Nepal will play its final group game on saturday against Sri Lanka. Depending upon the results, Nepalifootball.com predicts that Nepal will meet Pakistan or India in the semis.

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Rohit Chand may play for French champions Lille OSC in the Ligue 1 next season

By: Ram Gurung

Columnist: Nepalifootball.com

Rohit Chand may finally play in Europe but in different country and different league than speculated. The Ligue 1 i.e. the French A division League Champions Lille OSC have been monitoring the progress of young Nepalese prospect Rohit Chand. Darren Haughton of Talksport UK describes that the tough restrictions for the Non-EU players in United Kingdom can eventually lead the young defender to other side of English Channel than previously expected.

Both North London Barclays Premiership clubs Tottenham Hotspurs and Arsenal FC were linked to be closely monitoring the player. But now more easier rules in rest of Europe may see Rohit Chand playing in Ligue 1 as well as Champions League.

The current National manager Graham Roberts had described Rohit Chand as prodigy of both Nepalese football and Asian football and believes he can play at highest level.

Nepalifootball.com and all Nepalese football fan wishes best of luck to Rohit Chand.  

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Nepal awaits Bangladesh in first SAFF U-16 Championship Football Tournament

Nepalifootball.com

Nepal will play against Bangladesh in its first SAFF U-16 Championship Football Tournament match tomorrow at its home venue Dasharath Stadium, Kathamndu. Nepal is in Group B of this tournament alongside Bangladesh and Srilanka.

Nepal has to finish in top two spot in order to progress to the semi-finals of the SAFF U-16 Championship Football Tournament. Nepal will play with Sri Lanka on Saturday. The first match between Banladesh and Sri Lanka was won by Bangladesh in a compreshensive fashion outscoring the Sri Lankans by 6-2.

As most of the teams in South Asia are on par with each other irrespective with the FIFA ranking, Nepal should be really careful playing against Bangladesh. The Bangladesh team really looks to have some promising footballers. Mohamad Mezabahuddin looks a deadly player from Bangladesh to whom Nepalese defenders must keep an eye on. He really showed his skills against Srilanka by scoring a hattrick along with providing assist to his teammate.

Sunil Shrestha, Nepalese Team Coach mentioned that the prepartion of Nepalese team has been ongoing for the past three months. He further added that Nepalese team has chances of winning the tournament citing home advantage as one of the factor. But one concern he regards as lack of match practice before the tournament.

Mrigendra Mishra assistant to Shrestha added that he is satisfied with the performance of the team in the past couple of months. In addition to that he also metnioned that the Nepalese junior team should take some morale boost from their senior counterpart who performed remarkably better in their home match against strong Jordan team in their world cup qualifiers. 

Let's hope and pray the junior National team can bring back some glory to Nepali football world. This in turn will inspire the senior national team to win something for the team as they have failed to win anything for a long time despite playing well in recent tournaments.

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Bilal scores four times as Pakistan U16 demolishes team from islands in the Indian Ocean

By: Ram Gurung

Columnist: Nepalifootball.com

3rd August, 2010

Dasrath Rangasala

Muhammad Bilal not only became the second ever to score a hat trick in the SAFF U16 championships but also became the first ever to score four goals in a match. The another winger Sher Ali also netted twice as they present themselves as the title contenders. Maldives U16 were hope less through out the match. As Pakistan has completed their group games with maximum points they are set to meet the runner up of Group B which includes Nepal.

It will be the must win situation for Maldives U16 while draw will suffice the strong Indian U16 team who lost  their first group game with narrow margin to Pakistan.

Nepal U16 will face strong Bangladesh U16 tomorrow which sunk Sri Lanka U16 yesterday in 6-2 thriller.

Best of Luck for Nepal U16 team. 

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Analysis on Structure of Martyr's Memorial C-Division League

Ram Gurung
Columnist, Nepalifootball.com

Martyrs Memorial C-Division League will commence in Kathmandu from 10th of August. ANFA has made all the required preparation for the upcoming league. The top four teams will be automatically qualified for the upcoming inaugural National C-Division League.


Format

Like wise the upper tier leagues, all twelve teams in this league are also from the valley.

The teams are divided into two groups.

Group A

Garuda Sports Club

Khalibari FC

Khumaltar Youth Club

Nawa Jyoti Youth Club

Sanepa Club

Satdobato Youth Club

Group B

Charumati Youth Club

Naxal Yuba Mandal

Sakchamnagar Youth Club

Shree Bhagwati Youth Club

Shree Kumari Club

Social Welfare Sports Centre

The winners from each group will automatically qualify for the Martyr's Memorial B-Division League. The 1st runner up of each group will also join those winners to the inaugural National C-Division League. The bottom club from each group will be relegated.

Analysis

To reduce the cost and time, 12 teams won't be playing each other. Instead there are two groups with 6 teams each. Although the teams have been randomly selected for the respective groups, some of the better teams may have a disadvantage falling into a more competitive group. Thus it is arguable that not every team has a equal opportunity to reach the Martyr's Memorial B-Division League, National C-division League or same risk to be relegated. Also, playing in this structure will be less beneficial for the teams advancing to upper leagues.The structure of the Martyr's A-division league is more hectic than any other leagues in Europe.

The teams such as Himalayan Sherpa Club is an epitome to survive through these leagues and now has been qualified for the National A-Division League. But not all the teams have the same economical strength and players. Himalayan Sherpa now owns National players as well as international players.

Best of Luck to all the teams and players taking part in Martyr's Memorial C-Division League.

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Pakistan and Bangladesh one step closer to Semis of SAFF U16 cup

Ram Gurung

Columnist, Nepalifootball.com

Bangladesh U16 Captain Mezbahuddin owns a match ball

August 2, 2011

Dashrath Rangashala

Mohammed Mezbahuddin netted thrice against the Sri Lankan team within first 15 minutes. He became the first player ever to score a hat trick in a U16 SAFF cup. The first half ended 4-0. The second half also saw four goals but cancelling each other out. Bangladesh won 6-2 on the day. Bangladesh will play their final group game against Nepal on 4th of August.

Pakistan U16 surges to victory against strong Rivals India U16

August 1, 2011 Dashrath Rangashala Indian Goalkeeper's mistake cost a loss in Group A encounter. The indian Goalkeeper ball was intercepted by advancing Mohammed Sohail of Pakistan. Who then made a assist for Mansoor Khan. Mansoor Khan beat the goalkeeper and slotted into the empty net in 20th minute. No other goals were scored and match ended 1-0 in favour of Pakistan. Tomorrow's Match Maldives U16 will play Pakistan U16 tomorrow. A win or draw for the western country in SAFF will be sufficient to place a berth in Semis. While Nepal U16 will play its first match on 4th against strong side Bangladesh who will also require a draw or win to seal their place in semi final.

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Pakistan and Bangladesh one step closer to Semis of SAFF U16 cup

Ram Gurung
Columnist, Nepalifootball.com
<h3>Bangladesh Captain Mezbahuddin owns a match ball</h3><br>
 
Mohammed Mezbahuddin netted thrice against the Sri Lankan team within first 15 minutes. He became the first player ever to score a hat trick in a U16 SAFF cup. The first half ended 4-0. The second half also saw four goals but cancelling each other out. Bangladesh won 6-2 on the day. Bangladesh will play their final group game against Nepal on 4th of August.



<h3>Pakistan surges to victory against strong Rivals India</h3><br>

India Goalkeeper mistake cost a loss in Group A encounter. The indian Goalkeeper ball was intercepted by advancing Mohammed Sohail of Pakistan. Who then made a assist for Mansoor Khan. Mansoor Khan beat the goalkeeper and slotted into the empty net in 20th minute. No other goals were scored and match ended 1-0 in favour of Pakistan.

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First Ever SAFF U-16 Kicks off today!

By: Ram Gurung

Columnist, Nepalifootball.com

First ever SAFF U-16 cup will kickoff with Pakistan U-16 facing off against India U-16 at Dasarath Rangasala, Kathmandu today.The tournament will run from August 1 to 10.

SAFF General Secretary Alberto Colaco addressed that these tournaments are necessary to give a good exposure to the U-16 Boys before they participate in the AFC U-16 qualification.

Nepal U-16 will face Bangladesh U-16 on 4th of August and then Sri Lanka U-16 on August 6th. It is yet to see that the U-16 would follow the heart winning performance by the senior team. Apart from the loss to Jordan in Amman, Nepalese senior team has performed magnificently under Graham Roberts. Nepal is now ranked 20th in AFC and 1st in the South Asian subcontinent. Nepalese supporters will have faith that the U-16 will follow the footsteps of the seniors.

Nepal U-16 Squad

Goalkeepers:

Birendra Chand, Brijesh Singh and Alan Neupane

Defenders: 

Sanjay Rajbahak, Aaditya Chaudhary, Bishwas Shrestha, Bibek Basnet, Anjan Lakhaju and Nabin Gurung

Midfielders:

Heman Gurung, Rungri Hang Rai, Sagar Lama, Firon Magrati, Shikharmani Kafle, Umesh Thapa, Pramal Thapamagar and Yugal Pandey

Forwards:

Rishi Thapamagar, Anil Gurung, Krishnaraj Lama, Suraj Hamal, Suman Lama and Suraj Kumar Rai.

Group A

India U16

Pakistan U16

Maldives U16

Group B

Sri Lanka U16

Bangladesh U16

Nepal U16

FIXTURES

GROUP A

August 1: India U16 - Pakistan U16

August 3: Maldives U16 - Pakistan U16

August 5: India U16 - Maldives U16

GROUP B

August 2: Sri Lanka U16 - Bangladesh U16

August 4: Nepal U16 - Bangladesh U16

August 6: Sri Lanka U16 - Nepal U16

SEMIFINALS

August 8: Semi 1 (Winner Group A - Runners-Up B)

August 8: Semi 2 (Winner Group B - Runners-Up A)

Finals

August 9: Fifth Place playoff

August 10: Third Place playoff

August 10: Final

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Awards to be announced in a month

SOURCE: REPUBLICA

Ganesh Thapa hinted of declaring the name of winner of Rupak Memorial Award and the Best Footballer of 2067 BS in a month. ANFA has announced to provide a flat to the Best Footballer of 2067 BS. But ANFA has yet to name the best player. 

Similarly, ANFA has not announced the name of Rupak Memorial Award winners since 2064 BS though the award is supposed to be given every year. 

"Awarding player is not a big deal. We were busy in bigger projects than awarding players. We will let you know about awards within a month. All the winners of Rupak Memorial will be announced at once," Thapa assured. 

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Tough time in getting Challenge Cup

SOURCE: REPUBLICA

Speaking at the press meet, ANFA President Ganesh Thapa said that Nepal had a tough time securing the chance to host the final round of AFC Challenge Cup scheduled for April 2012. Along with Nepal, Maldives and Palestine, which boast of better infrastructure than Nepal, had also filed their bids to host the final round of tournament.

Asian Football Confederation (AFC) executive committee meeting in Malaysia on Friday had decided to allow Nepal to host the final round. However, AFC had set some conditions for organizing the event in Nepal.

"AFC has asked us to upgrade the physical infrastructure and conditions of ground to host the final round," Thapa said. "But ANFA cannot do this single-handedly and we need support of all sides including the government, Ministry of Youth and Sports and National Sports Council."  

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Nepal meets Bangladesh in U-16 opener campaign

SOURCE: REPUBLICA

KATHMANDU, July 31: Nepal will play its first SAFF U-16 Championship Football Tournament match against Bangladesh on Thursday at Dasharath Stadium. 

Nepal has been placed in group B in the six-team contest, which has Sri Lanka and Bangladesh as other teams in the group, in the first edition of event scheduled to kick off on Monday at Dasharath Stadium. In other group match, home team will play against Sri Lanka on Saturday. 

In curtain raiser, India will play against Pakistan in the group A match on Monday. Maldives is the other team in group A. 

Top two among three teams from each group will qualify for the semifinal stage after round robin group matches. Only one match will be played on each day until group stage which ends on August 10. All matches will be placed at Dasharath Stadium. 

Squad

Nepal has finalized the names of 23-member squad for the event under the captainship of Heman Gurung. 

Goalkeepers: Birendra Chand, Brijesh Singh and Alan Neupane; Defenders: Sanjay Rajbahak, Aaditya Chaudhary, Bishwas Shrestha, Bibek Basnet, Anjan Lakhaju and Nabin Gurung; Midfielders: Heman Gurung, Rungri Hang Rai, Sagar Lama, Firon Magrati, Shikharmani Kafle, Umesh Thapa, Pramal Thapamagar and Yugal Pandey; Forwards: Rishi Thapamagar, Anil Gurung, Krishnaraj Lama, Suraj Hamal, Suman Lama and Suraj Kumar Rai. 

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