By Sudhil Thapa, Fairfax,VA

The men’s national football team of Nepal made an early exit from the 14th edition of the South Asian Federation Football Championship, following two successive defeats in Bengaluru,India.

As a result ,Nepal’s hopes for South Asian Federation Football Championship (SAFFC) glory
went up in flames, agonizingly prolonging the wait.

Yet another attempt goes in vain.We have been waiting for far too long. With every passing
year, the wait is getting longer and frustrating.

The presence of formidable teams from outside the South Asian region does make the
competition more competitive and at the same time more challenging for the regional
outfits,which is a good thing.

South Asian countries must prioritize the championship and embrace the challenge for
performance excellence.

The objective must be to prove themselves and make an impression in the competition,and for
that they will need adequate,proper and timely preparation to face the challenge.

It is the duty and responsibility of every football association to prepare their team in the best
possible manner regardless.

Otherwise,competing for the sake of competition is pointless and irrelevant. If the team is
underprepared for the competitive game environment,it is bound to backfire.

It translates into more frustration and disappointment for players and fans alike. It will show
players and coaches in a bad light as well.

In the crunch game against the home team India, Nepal needed an outright victory to stay in
the competition.

After a goalless first half which was evenly contested,Nepal still had a chance to upset the
applecart in the final 45 minutes of play .

However,they could not propel their performance and keep the momentum going.They lacked
the game to counter the opposition’s aggression and well coordinated moves.

They created a few scoring chances but never came close to finding the net.The offense was
well short of firepower, penetration and finishing touch to put the opposition under pressure.

Unlike the first 45 minutes of play,Nepal performed well below their best in the second half. They
struggled with passes ,failed to keep possession of the ball,and were guilty of unforced errors
for the most part.

There was no effective coordination between forwards and midfielders. The defense resorted to
frantic defending as they came under constant pressure and ultimately caved in.

The defending champions India looked a pale shadow of their former till the 60th minute of the
game.

Their performance can be best described as ragged,error-riddled and uninspiring. They were
fortunate that the opponent failed to capitalize on their mediocrity and sluggish play.

After drawing first blood to take the lead,they turned their performance around to take control
of the game.They added another goal to seal victory and a place in the last four.They next play
Kuwait to decide the group winners.

Nepal takes on Pakistan for the wooden spoon battle in their final group match. Foremost, they
must acknowledge and overcome the two defeats and get back into a groove.

Bouncing back from setbacks and thriving is vitally important.They need to regroup,regain
confidence and play with renewed zeal, vigor, determination and with a positive mindset.

It is imperative for Head Coach Vincenzo Alberto Annese boys to cap off the tournament on a
winning note.

Pakistan cannot be underestimated or taken lightly.They are physically a tough outfit and do
have the depth to spring surprises.

Nepal must churn out a purposeful and meaningful performance collectively and
individually.Team cohesiveness has to improve in every department of the game.

The offense has to show urgency, sharpness, and consistency in their performance,coupled
with clinical finishing when it comes to converting scoring chances.

Furthermore,they must effectively work in tandem with midfielders.The midfielders were in a
state of dormancy in the first two matches.Their contribution was insignificant making it difficult
for the offense to launch forays into opposition goal.

The defense has to shake off lethargy and engage in sound and confident tactical
defending.They have to be defiant and dogged throughout.

They cannot afford casual defending against the taller opposition who stand a better chance to
dominate aerial duels.In skipper Kiran Limbu there is little to worry about goalkeeping .

Team Nepal must rise to the occasion and put together a complete performance to prevail over
Pakistan to avoid another disappointment.