Chance for Nepal to settle score against India
The ongoing 2nd SAFF Women’s Championship in Colombo, Sri
Lanka should have been an exciting and thrilling sporting spectacle but turned out to be a low- key affair.
Prior to start of the championship, based on competing
teams’ strengths
and weaknesses, the final between defending champions India and Nepal
was a foregone conclusion.
As anticipated, the
two finalists hardly had to break sweat
in their group matches. They effortlessly pummeled opponents one
after another in a slew of one
–sided matches.
Evidently, the gap is huge between the
rest and the top two seeds. And
for Sri Lanka, Maldives, Bhutan, Afghanistan and Pakistan, there is a lot of catching up to do.
This is the
third final between
India and Nepal. It was no surprise that in the last two finals (SAF
Games & SAFF Championship) India had the last laugh.
Despite India’s dominance in South Asian women football,
they now have a stubborn, resolute and talented opposition in Nepal. The Indian coach is well aware of the challenge
his team faces against Nepal.
It may be recalled that Nepal took India
by complete surprise in the 1st SAFF Championship in Bangladesh. The
Indians had to battle hard all the way to the end and barely managed a 1-0
victory.
To be very fair India starts the final as firm favorites, but
it would be a big mistake to guarantee them a win. There is no way they can
make light work of Nepal. Undeniably, they are a far more prepared outfit
studded with seasoned players.
Assessing both teams’ performances so far there is very
little separating the two, technically and physically.
Having said that, the Indians do have
a clear edge in the attack and mid-field. They have looked more cohesive, organized
and penetrative. Also they have the experience to their advantage.
It is true that they have hardly been tested in this
competition because of weak opponents. Nevertheless, they will be under some pressure,
defending the title and their number one status.
On the other hand, Nepal can turn the tables on the opponent
provided they play to their potential and put in every bit of
their effort. Also it is important that players maintain composure, confidence
and consistency.
Likewise, Team Nepal must show sharpness in their coordination and creativeness
in the attack, and make the most out of any scoring opportunities that come by.
In addition, the defense has to stand rock solid against the fast and swift
moving Indian strikers.
With absolutely nothing
to lose, they got to play their hearts out. The bottom line is: long as Nepal can put
their act together for ninety minutes, I am very confident they will win.
Like a dragon rising
from hibernation, Nepal has made an encouraging comeback to competitive football. Women football
has survived, thanks, to a band of genuine supporters’ commitment and support.
Had All Nepal
Football Association (ANFA) not shunned women football for long, it would have
been much better off today. What more can I write about the football body that
is so irresponsible.
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