Nepal needs rock solid start at AFC Challenge Cup
Excitement mounts as participating teams touch down one after another in Kathmandu for the AFC Challenge Cup starting on 8 March.
Football goers in Kathmandu are all set to embrace the biggest and the most extravagant tournament they have been restlessly anticipating for some time. They are on the edge of their seats wondering what will be the final outcome.
There is no dispute that the North Koreans (FIFA ranking 106th) are the overwhelming favorites, and I predict they will make it to the final round in Australia. If I am wrong it would be a stunning upset, something the Koreans cannot live with.
Going by their record and strength, they should have few problems handling unfancied opponents in the likes of India, Philippines and Tajikistan in their group. That said, nothing can be taken for granted because strange things happen in sports. The game of football is no exception.
Leaving Korea aside, it will be a battle royal between Philippines, India and Tajikistan for the second spot.
India (FIFA ranking 154th) looked unimpressive in their recent warm up matches against Oman and Azerbaijan which they lost. They need to turn their game around dramatically to put themselves in contention.
Tajikistan (FIFA ranking 140th) only good result came against N Korea on 29 Feb,2012 in the AFC Third Round of 2014 World Cup qualifier. They managed a 1-1 draw. By and large, they have struggled lately, and they require a mighty performance to make a dent in the competition.
In my opinion a rejuvenated Philippines (FIFA ranking 156th) is the team to watch in the group. They have put in serious effort to make an impact in the AFC championship.
Prior to their arrival in Kathmandu, they played half a dozen quality tune- up matches against teams from Spain, S Korea, Australia, Uzbekistan, Qatar and Malaysia
Nicknamed as Green Men , Turkmenistan ( FIFA ranking 149th) has kept a low profile in international football. The second place finish at the 2010 AFC Challenge Cup held in Sri Lanka is their best ever result so far.
In the semi-final they lost to N Korea on penalty shoot outs, and they edged out Myanmar 1-0 for the third place. Physically they are a tough outfit and stand a good chance for success in the group consisting of Nepal, Maldives and Palestine. In preparation for the tournament they played against Romania, losing 0-4.
Palestine (FIFA ranking 162th) might be the second lowest ranked team , but it is not a true reflection of their potential. Over the years, they have shown marked improvement in their performance and are steadily moving toward the right direction.
They are a physical team equipped with plenty of fire power. Watch them. They are the dark horse of the championship.
The lowest ranked team in the competition is Maldives(FIFA ranked 175th). I give full marks to the islanders for the progress they have made in international football in a relatively short period of time.
They are a talented lot and have proven beyond doubt that they can make things happen. I will not be taken aback should they come up with a strong showing.
Host Nepal (FIFA ranking 152) is the only team that did not play a single friendly match as part of the AFC Challenge Cup preparation. It is hard to believe that Coach Roberts was not insistent on the need for it.
As coach he should have applied pressure on the football body. Following our good performance in the SAFF Championship last year, local fans are looking forward to another forceful performance.
I do not blame the fans because whenever the home team takes the field expectations are high. This time we are in a group that is wide open, and I strongly believe that we can make a charge and finish creditably provided the boys peak form .
Coach Roberts has retained almost the same players he had for the SAFF Championship. However, there are a few new picks in the likes of Sabindra Shrestha, Jitendra Karki and Tanka Basnet.
Clearly it is a defense oriented squad loaded with many as eight defenders.The four mid-fielders in the team have a dual role to play in terms of supporting both the offense and defense.
It would be a mistake if we resort to ultra defense game to play safe. This can mount pressure on the defense and at the same time allow opponents to dictate terms. Just an opinion. Coach Roberts, the captain of the ship, of course, decides everything that best suits the team in terms of strategy and approach.
Enterprising mid-fielder Bijaya Gurung who will miss the tournament because of injury is a big blow to the team.
The offense our weakest link has five players. Ganesh Lawati makes a comeback, and it is yet to be seen where he fits in the equation.
The biggest concern for us right now is the effectiveness of the forwards. They must end their mediocrity and not make hash of scoring opportunities. Their form will be largely crucial and important for the team’s overall success.
Hopefully at the end of the day it turns out to be a good championship for Nepal.
Team Nepal
Goal Keeper
Kiran Chemzong (Three Star), Bikas Malla ( Nepal Army), Ritesh Thapa ( Nepal Police).
Defense
Sagar Thapa (Himalayan Sherpa Club), Sandip Rai ( Manang Marsayangdi), Rohit Chand (Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, Banglaore,India), Robin Shrestha ( Nepal Police), Biraj Maharjan ( Three Star), Sabindra Shrestha ( Manang Marsayangdhi ), Dipak Bhusal ( Manang Marsayangdhi), Jitendra Karki ( New Road Team
Mid Field
Raju Tamang( Nepal Army), Niranjan Khadkha ( Manang Marsayangdi), Bhola Silwal ( Nepal Police), Tanka Basnet ( Nepal Army).
Forward
Jumanu Rai ( Nepal Police), Santosh Sahukhala (Manang Marsayangdi), Anil Gurung ( Manang Marsayangdi ), Bharat Khawas ( Nepal Police), Ganesh Lawati ( Armed Police Force).
Coach
Graham Roberts ( England).
Assistant Coach
Upendra Man Singh
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