It’s yet another heartbreaking defeat for Nepal

 

Once again, it was a tale of  so near yet so far for the  women’s national team of Nepal as they had to endure a heartbreaking defeat at the hands of Bangladesh in the final of  the Women’s South Asian Federation Football Championship in Kathmandu.

 

Dasharath stadium jam-packed with partisan supporters who were hoping to see Nepal win their maiden championship title were left dejected, disconsolate and in somber mood,following their team’s 1-2 defeat.

Having entered the final riding a wave of high expectations after  getting the better of India in the last four,apparently,the sting of defeat was agonizing,devastating and difficult for the home team to digest.

For the umpteenth time  they found themselves in familiar territory by finishing second best for  a record  sixth time, prolonging their title quest further.

Analyzing and assessing Team Nepal’s overall performance,they failed to put together a winning performance.They lacked the killer instinct when they needed it the most. 

Furthermore,they were wanting in the offensive department throughout failing to make meaningful headway. 

Their possession of the ball was well  below average, and the tendency  to lose the ball quickly to the opposition deterred them from building up attacks.

 

Despite her best efforts, star striker Sabitra Bhandari aka Samba’s  contribution was limited due to lack of adequate support from her teammates.

On the other hand,defending champions Bangladesh persistence,aggression, doggedness,confidence and ability to withstand pressure and deliver the result in a high -stakes final made a huge difference at the end of the day.

They were the better side and played a more cohesive game to gain advantage over the hosts.

In spite  of the setback,our women footballers deserve applause for their efforts, hard toil, sacrifice and dedication to put the country on the global map.

There is  an enormous wealth of talent in the country.They have the potential to become outstanding players. 

Currently a good number of players are playing for foreign clubs which is an important  milestone.This  is a testament to their  talent, hard work and commitment. 

The national team has made  steady progress in terms of  performance and results over the years.They are fast catching up with India and Bangladesh.

The sorry state of women's football has not discouraged and stopped the current  crop of players and  countless upcoming youngsters across the country from playing the game and aiming to make a career.

There is a need  for adequate investment in infrastructure,training facilities and grassroots  development for women’s football to grow sustainably.

All Nepal Football  Association(ANFA) was mired  in  online ticket sales controversy and security issues inside the stadium. 

Mount Everest Sports and Events Pvt.Ltd,the ticketing partner of ANFA was accused of overselling tickets.  

In response the  football body ceased the online ticket sales and took responsibility for ticket sales for the final.

It is a classic example of sheer lack of  foresight and  management 

on the part of  ANFA,which invited criticisms from all quarters. 

This  speaks volumes  about their incompetence.