PREVIEW: Nepal U16 v Bangladesh U16

Dasharath Rangashala

Kathmandu

Poor Refereeing

The U16 national captain Heman Gurung took the responsibility on the losing as his spot kick on was comfortably saved by the Indian Keeper. Nepalese team were continuously under pressure as they were robbed in the dying moment of the match. The dreams of playing in the final were then shattered in the penalties. Two of the Nepalese players missed the kicks. The match was very physical and two of Nepal's players including the keeper had sustained the injury. Nepalese team and whole stadium were disgruntled with the referee's decisions. Indian team survived lot of occasion due to poor refereeing. The ANFA officials later discussed their frustrations on the officials. But the damage was done. 

Bright future for the boys: Graham Roberts

There was a massive support and environment inside the stadium and the stadium erupted with the first goal in the first third of the match. The national coach applauded the team for their performance whether they did not reached the final or not. The veteran English Player knows the life of a player and addressed that Nepalese young players have a bright future ahead in their footballing career. Nepal has been performing significant well but hasn't been able to turn them into trophies in recent past. But, we can still salvage the third place today.

Now Bronze medal on sights

Nepal will play today against Bangladesh in the third place playoff. Sadly both Nepal and Bangladesh have to meet on different match instead of the match for gold medal. The match between Bangladesh and Pakistan was also tight until the last 10 minutes. The Banglas conceded two goals between last ten minutes. It will be a tough match between the sides as they vie for the bronze medal today. Pakistan which was previously managed by Graham Roberts has been the only team to win all the matches in this tournament. The Pakistan Football Federation has announced a tour of England for training matches. This shows even the cricket nation is taking major steps in growing the footballing prospects and that is showing signs in U16 level too.

Best of Luck Nepal U16

By:Ram Gurung
Columnist, Nepalifootball.com

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.