Can Nepal shine against Syria ?

Coming off   two back-to-back defeats, Nepal finally came alive to hold traditional arch-rival   India to a goalless draw and managed to salvage some pride at the Nehru Cup in New Delhi.

The torrential   downpour left the pitch heavily waterlogged, making playing conditions extremely challenging.  However, the organizer deemed irrelevant to put off   the   tie despite an unplayable   pitch.

The   ninety - minute of action   did   end in a stalemate, but Nepal achieved some measure of success to give long suffering fans something to cheer about at last.

It was a tremendous   overall team effort with all the players   stepping up their play. Nobody expected the Nepali   outfit to bounce back, especially after their mediocrity in the first two matches.

The end result   was   a big relief   to supporters like me. Team Nepal for the first time in the championship   put   in a compelling performance. The players had fire in their belly and played with real conviction.

Nepal   dominated the   first   forty -five minutes of play, but despite creating a good number of scoring opportunities, was unable to find the net. At times it looked, though; the visitors would turn the tables on their opponent.

Although the home team had a better second half and came very close to scoring on numerous occasions,   Nepal seemed the better side on the day. In the end, it was a well deserved result for a more    organized and purposeful Nepal

In contrast, India’s performance left much to be desired.  I could not believe I was actually watching the same team   that had played reasonably   well against Maldives and Syria. All in all, they were unconvincing and made heavy weather   of the match with   a   patchy   performance.

The Nepali defense   did   remarkably   well to bottle up ace striker Sunil Chhetri who was threatening at times.

Also   man of the match Kiran   Chemjong turned out to be the real spoiler for India. His heroics and brilliance under the bar not only frustrated the host but helped his team earn a respectable draw. He was at his very best making spectacular saves.

In addition, in the closing stages of the game minus a player Nepal   hung on desperately to claim a very important result much to the consternation of India.

Yes, this was a moral boosting outcome for Coach Thapa and his boys, however, it would be a blunder to   get carried away and lose focus for the next match.  

Team Nepal   must draw inspiration from the result, and at the same time,   it is increasingly crucial for them to build the thrust necessary to build momentum  in their final league encounter against Syria.  

Maldives   not only   exposed   the Syrians   susceptibility but cashed in on to earn a creditable victory, taking everyone by surprise, including me.

I will say, though, they are beatable, but it’s easier said than done. The big question here is:  Does Nepal stand a chance against Syria?   Long   as they rise to the occasion and perform consistently   they do stand a   fighting chance.

Syria left to lick wounds, following their shock defeat to Maldives, certainly, want to sign off on a winning note. I expect them to roar back and hopefully   Nepal can weather the storm and   dish out a sterling performance.

I have no clue what will happen.   I   just   hope   Nepal turns in another sterling performance. If they do, it   would   be a remarkable   comeback story   for Team Nepal.

Come on boys!  You can do it.  Believe in yourself, and give your very best. Here is your   big   opportunity to prove   it that you are far from finished.