Nepal lost out to neighbors India in yet another SAFF Championship game as their bid to reach the final for the fourth time running was halted after a 3-1 defeat to India.
Although Nepal couldn’t capitalize on two early free kicks, the first real chance of the game fell to India in the 6th who produced a magnificent one handed save from Anjila while the 12th and 14th minute saw both teams get a shot on target off corners.
Sabitra then tried her luck from distance in the two minutes later which sprung the goalie into action while India rattled the bar only a minute later off a cross.
Nepal made their first change in the 26th minute, with Sapana Lama replacing Anita Basnet while Nepal tested the India goalie with a free kick off a handball in the 33rd minute.
Although both teams did have chances before the first half, all of them were thwarted by the respective goalies and while it looked like the teams would be heading into the dressing room all level, India managed to score on the 44th minute through Kamala Devi in a counter attack which managed to change the whole complexion of both the manager’s team talk.
After a period of not much goal mouth action, there was real controversy in the 57th minute as Sabitra Bhandari looked to be tripped inside the box, but instead of earning a penalty she was booked for simulation.
The decision turned the game on its head as instead of getting to equalize the score Nepal went on to concede only a minute later. Sabitra did have a chance at redemption twice, in the 68th and 73rd minute, but she could only force a save from the first one while missing the target from the latter effort. That wasn’t all she had to offer as she managed to score in 75th minute through the spot taking her individual tally to 12 for the tournament.
Despite creating another good move, Nepal could not score an equalizer and instead had their hearts crushed when Sashmita Mallik scored off a corner to seal the match for India. Nepal did manage two strikes on target after the third goal but were denied both times by the Indian goalie.
As the referee drew a close to the game, Nepalese players who were confident of avoiding a defeat by the hands of India in the seventh time of asking, were left dejected to have to return home trophy less despite a putting up a great spectacle throughout the tournament.
Nepal coach Kumar Thapa is disappointed that they squandered a good chance to beat India. But he is glad with his girls’ performance.
This is the first time that Nepal has failed to move to the finals of the Championship.
Speaking in the post-match conference, coach Thapa said, “We had very good chance to beat India. We played good game. I am happy with my girls’ performance.”
Thapa said that referee’s decision of not awarding penalty kicks to his team was the turning point of the match. He stated Nepal should have been awarded with three spot kicks.
“I respect referee decision but the penalty kick which was not given was the turning point. We are not only complaining, the winning team is also complaining.”
“We could have got three spot kicks.”
Before ending, he congratulated India for the win.
“We worked hard for the event. I would like to congratulate India for the win.”
