Nepal vs Lebanon- Who will end with the wooden spoon?

With two successive defeats, Nepal has exited from the 2018 Under-23 Asian Football Confederation qualifiers.Uzbekistan’s 2-0 victory sent the South Asian minnows packing out of the competition.

Fans must have breathed a sigh of relief because at least they did not get to see a bewildering scoreline like in the opener against UAE this time. But the scoreline does not tell the full story. Like in the opening match Nepal was largely outplayed and forced on the back foot for the most part.

The winners squandered a host of really good scoring chances. They lacked clinical finish and were thwarted with some stubborn defending and good goalkeeping.

Nepal did put in a much-improved performance, no doubt, but was far from their best.Both the defense and the custodian were kept on their toes in the entire match as the opposition desperately looked for quick goals. It was frantic defending and goalkeeping all the way to the end.To be fair, unlike the previous match, they did a pretty good job, by and large.

For the first time in the competition, Nepal’s subdued offense seemed to have shrugged off some lethargy, complacency and came alive in short spells.

They were able to initiate sporadic attacks, but again, never really threatened. One could count on the fingers of one hand, the number of times they took shots at the goal.

Coach Raju Shakya’s boys were constantly outwitted by  the tall, speedy, aggressive and dominant opposition who made good use of their physical prowess.

The players deserve great credit for their efforts and doing all they could to make the contest competitive.

Nonetheless,  two defeats have exposed the team and their approach to the competition and their inability to deal with formidable opponents.

In the final match, Nepal faces Lebanon to avoid the wooden spoon. Although both teams are winless, Nepal is at the bottom of the table based on goal differences.

It is no secret that Lebanon is a  physical side  packed with talented stronger, faster and bigger players.Going by their performances and strengths they definitely hold an edge over Nepal.

Once again, our youngsters have to improve their focus, composure, and confidence going into the match. It is pure and simple they must play to the best of their ability to achieve the desired result. Also, Coach Shakya has to avoid being too defensive.

Else, Nepal might have to end up with the wooden spoon.  I  do hope they are able to close the tournament on a high note.

The competition has proved to be just another inconsequential affair. A vain attempt. All efforts have gone to waste.

By all accounts, it proves that Team  Nepal is not yet prepared to play against the big boys. We have failed miserably in this tournament, and we have to accept it.

The latest setback once again reminds us of the international challenges  Nepal faces both regionally and globally.

I have always maintained that we have the talent to overcome the challenges, but it does not really matter as long as  Nepal football continues to go in the wrong direction.As we have seen, Nepal football is being failed by incompetent All Nepal Football Association

At the moment, what Nepal football needs more than anything is a team of visionary, honest and committed true professionals  who can take  Nepal football to new heights in terms of development, management, governance and bring real changes.