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The ongoing AFC Under -23 qualifiers in Tehran, Iran is turning out to be a fiasco for Nepal. Two successive defeats at the hands of Iran and Afghanistan have badly exposed Nepali football at the competition.  With two matches to go against formidable Saudi Arabia and Palestine, I have no hesitation to say that the team is staring at a crippling humiliation. Going by Nepal’s   performance so far, it has been a tale of absolute mediocrity.  Players have looked match unfit, uninspiring, tired and out of sorts.  Clearly, they lack physical strength and power to cope with the physically and technically more dominant oppositions.  Nepal’s opener against superior Iran was totally one –sided. As the 5-0 score suggests, they were completely overwhelmed, outplayed for 90 minutes.  The physical dominance, tactical superiority, coupled with pace, sharp precision passing and running of the opposition just proved too hot to handle for Nepal.  Emerging custodian Kuthu w

The   second leg match of the 2018 World Cup qualifiers between Nepal and India played in Kathmandu was a stalemate much to the chagrin of   partisan supporters. The result was merely a consolation for a team that has been struggling for years and    trying to figure out how to succeed. The latest setback is worrisome, however, more than that, the ongoing slump the national team is going through is a huge source of concern. It means that Nepal is eliminated from the first round of the competition. I have to admit, I am not a bit surprised. I saw it coming. It is all becoming too predictable now and that is very frustrating. At least, home supporters were spared from the ignominy of a loss. Nepal had to fight back from a 2-0 hole against the Indians going into the crucial home game. Despite the odds, the coaching staff and fans was optimistic about the team’s chances. They needed a much-improved performance to close out the deal. They did put in a much inspiring

Listless  Nepal was outplayed  by a new look India   in the first leg of the 2018 World Cup Qualifiers in Guwahati,Assam. Yet another  frustrating, disappointing result for Nepal,indeed. Can it get worse than this ?  The dismal run of defeat in international tournaments for the team  continues unabated.  For die hard fans like me the setback  is difficult to digest. Overall the team's performance was not  what everyone,including me anticipated.Prior to the show down, bot Coach Jack Stefanowski and   skipper Sagar Thapa had exuded confidence in their side. They stated that the team was well prepared and confident of performing well. There is no need for me to elaborate on their statement that lacked truth.  The result speaks for itself. I will say though the players gave their very best but struggled physically and lacked the stamina that was required.  In defeat Coach Stefanowski  never says anything  new . He repeats exactly the same thing without adding new de

The national football teams of Nepal and India are ready for the  crucial first leg  2018 World Cup  and  2019 AFC  Asian Cup  qualifiers  show down  in  Guwahati, Assam on 12 March. The clash of the neighbours has always triggered lots of buzz and interest  in football goers on both sides of the borders. This time is no different. There is excitement in the air and  frustrated supporters are hoping that their team wins. The two sides have played against each other  umpteen times in the past, with India enjoying a much higher success rate. Having said that, it has not  been a  smooth ride for  India when it comes to tackling and overcoming Nepal.  Most  matches between the two have been competitive and close ones. The Indians have vulnerabilities and are beatable,no doubt.  Nepal proved it by  getting the better of them   in the  2013 South Asian Federation Football Championship (SAFFC) in more than two decades  in Kathmandu. Let us not forget that Nepal  also had  shocked In

Dilip Rai is a name synonymous to Purwanchal football. He is one of the unsung heroes of Nepali football, the media  overlooks. It won't be  an exaggeration to say that football is in his blood and heart almost since birth .  No one disputes the fact that he is a great  asset to football in Purwanchal (East Nepal). He has been deeply involved with football in one way or the other, for over three decades.His passion, commitment  and enthusiasm for the game of football is unrivalled.  He is a motivated and  ruthlessly driven individual, and a true gentleman who has sacrificed his entire life to football. He works tirelessly,feverishly around the clock, focussed on what he needs to do.  Football enthusiasts have nothing but  respect for him.  His contributions  to football in the region in whatever shape or form has been invaluable. There are very few people in the country  dedicated  to football as Dilip dai.   He is approachable, personable and  a true role model w