Nepal National football team is taking on Maldives in its first match of the Nehru Cup Football Tournament on Thursday knowing that the win would bring their lost charm in an international football records.
Nepal National team, not playing any international match after AFC Challenge Cup held in March, had just three weeks preparation in Kathmandu which was hampered by rainy days and mourning.
It was heydays when Nepal would count number of goals against Maldives back in early 80s but the things have changed drastically after coming to the millennium.
Nepal have tried their best to beat Maldives since 2008 but they have faltered in many occasions despite coming so closer to their target.
Maldives had beaten Nepal 4-1 in SAFF Championship 2008 held in Male but then after Nepal always dominated the field but couldn’t garner fruits.
Nepal played 1-1 draw in 2009 SAG held in Dhaka, 1-1 draw in SAFF Championship 2011 held in India and faced 0-1 bitter defeat at home in AFC Challenge Cup.
What: Nepal Vs Maldives
Nepal and Maldives have met 13 times in International football. Nepal have won just three and lost six matches. Four matches have been drawn.
Nepal National Team Coach Views:
Nepal National football team Coach, Krishna Thapa
“We have always dominated them (Maldives) after 2008 but we haven’t produced good results. This time, we have a very good chance to win against them. We have had decent preparation for this championship and the team is a blend of senior and young players from U-22″.
“I want nothing less than a win”, Thapa said, “We are in upper hand. We don’t have any pressure on our head. We are here to learn more and gain experience ahead of South Asian Games and AFC Challenge Cup qualifiers”.
“I am sure boys will play their hearts out to win the match”, Thapa added.
Thapa, however, kept his mum on the first eleven of the team.
“I can’t reveal now but I can reveal you that two or three players will be changed in the line up from SAFF & AFC Challenge Cup”.
Maldives National Football team Coach, Istavan Urbanyi
“We didn’t have enough time for preparation but we tried our best to build a solid team though we had limitations”, Urbanyi said, “We have very good new players coming to the national squad. They are U-22 players”.
“This is a young team”, coach Urbanyi said, “The players have very bright future ahead”.
“I wish I could have more time to prepare but we are ready for the matches”, Urbanyi added.
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Get details of Nehru Cup 2012 HERE
[via GoalNepal.com]
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