Nepal pooled in tough group in SAFF C’ship
KATHMANDU, JUL 31 -
Nepal, yearning for their maiden SAFF Championship title this time around at home, found them on the precarious road as they were pitted against defending champions India, Bangladesh and Pakistan in Group A during tournament’s draw in Kathmandu on Tuesday.
India will take on their arch-rivals Pakistan before Nepal begin their campaign against Bangladesh later in the opening day of the regional championship, scheduled to kick off from September 1 at the Dasharath Stadium.
The greatest achievement summoned by Nepali side, who always enter into the tournament with high optimism, so far, has been making up to the semi-finals in 1993, 1995, 1999 and 2011.
Nepali skipper Sagar Thapa said that every match will be of “do or die” venture after the draw.
“We will be having a tough time for sure. It will be very tough even to reach the semi-finals,” he said. “We will have to train really hard as every match will be of do-or-die situation.”
Last time’s finalists, Afghanistan will be hoping to carry their momentum too, by reaching at least the last four of the tournament as they are pooled together with Sri Lanka, Maldives and Bhutan in Group B which is considered relatively an easier group.
Speaking at the programme Mohammed Salauddin, SAFF president and chief guest, said that the reason behind holding the regional championship in Nepal was football being the most popular game.
“We are delighted to organise the competition in Nepal because people are crazy about the game,” he said, adding “It is my dream to put on board SAFF Club Football Championship as well to raise the standard of the game and to make it more competitive.” Likewise, Anfa President Ganesh Thapa said that Nepal was honored and more than happy to play host to the tournament.
“We hosted the tournament in 1997, which was a huge success and we are honored and delighted to host it again. Dashrath Stadium will be renovated with the support of National Sports Council (NSC).” NSC Member Secretary Yubraj Lama vowed to make the tournament a grand success.
“We assure to extend every support to Anfa to ensure the tournament’s success. Our reputation is associated with the event,” he said.
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