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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The most anticipated League of Nepal is here. ANFA has taken a milestone footstep on developing football from east to west and south to the north. Gorkha Brewery has become the first official sponsor of the league for next three years. The ANFA president Ganesh Thapa and Gorkha Brewery's Marketing Director Rajendra Gurung sealed the deal worth 25 lakh rupees recurring every season. ANFA defined this contract as the largest sponsorship in any Nepali League. Now, the teams requires to win the National League to enter the AFC President's Cup instead of the Martyr's Memorial A-Division League.
The decentralisation has begun.The clubs outside the valley will have the opportunity to show that they are no weaker than the clubs inside the valley. One of such a club is Sahara club. The club nurtures unfortunate children as well as young talents from my home town Pokhara.Sahara were denied entry into C division owing to the geographic location as well as protest from the clubs in Kathmandu. We don't need to reiterate that clubs such as Sahara and other clubs around the country has contributed the best players in Nepal to the A division clubs as well as the national team. Current Nepalese dominant striker no. 10 Anil Gurung used to play for Sahara Club in the past.
Structure of ANFA National League: ANFA has proposed three National Leagues in three tiers.
A-Division National League: 6 teams from Martyr's Memorial A-Division and 2 A-categorised district teams, 6 teams will play home and away.
Total: 8 teams
B-Division National League: 4 teams from Martyr's Memorial B-Division and 2 B-categorised district teams, all matches will be played in same venue.
Total: 6 teams
C-Division National League: 4 teams from Martyr's Memorial C-Division and 2 C-categorised district teams, all matches will be played in same venue.
Total: 6 teams
The top six clubs from the Martyrs Memorial A-Division League (MM ADL) automatically qualifies for the A-Division National League. The champions Nepal Police Club and !st runner up Manang Marsyangdi Club followed by Jawalakhel Youth Club, Three Star Club, Himalayan Sherpa Club and Ranipokhari Corner Team has already booked their places. Two teams from the A-categorised districts i.e. Banke, Chitwan, Jhapa, Kaski, Makwanpur, Morang, Parsa, Rupendehi, Kailali, Sunsari will challenge for all Nepal supremacy.
Similarly two teams from B-categorized Districts: Dhankuta, Ilam, Siraha, Rautahat, Sindhupalchowk, Kavre, Dhanusha, Nawalparasi, Tanahu, Kanchanpur, Surkhet, Syangjya and two teams from C-categorized Districts: Panchthar, Sarlahi, Bara, Saptari, Baglung, Mahottari, Nuwakot, Dhadhing, Bardiya, Dolakha, Dang, Gorkha, Lamjung, Palpa, Udayapur will test the mettle of 4 top teams from Martyr's Memorial B-Division and Martyr's Memorial C-Division Leagues respectively. All matches for both bottom tiers will not be played in different venues.
The teams from B and C-categorised districts can be promoted into higher National Division Leagues by their performance in respective leagues. First and second position of both B and C-categorised districts in these leagues will provide them MM C-Division League status. Similarly First and second position by the A-categorised districts will earn them MM ADL status. The relegation will also be in similar fashion.
By analysing the facts, B-division National League is going to be more competitive. Teams from Syangja are really strong and I strongly believe that they need to be amongst A-categorised districts. The Journey is going to be tough relatively for the A-categorised teams in A-Division National League. The reason is that the teams from Martyr's Memorial are not only experienced in playing top level but also have learnt to play day in and day out. Fatigue is going to play a major role. They play more frequently than many European clubs during the season. Also the six top clubs from MM ADL can also loan maximum of 5 players each from other clubs from A-division league.
The League is dated to be commenced on 26th of August.
Overall, the league will transform the teams and players alike. The players would be more beneficial to show their skill to charm national as well as international professional clubs. I am supporting Kaski and Sahara, AND YOU????
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