Analysis: Preparation of National team for AFC Challenge Cup

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Created on Friday, 17 February 2012 10:42

17 February, 2012

AFC Challenge Cup 2012 is just less than three weeks away and Nepal's national team preparation does not look better than its counterparts.

Nepal went for a month long ASEAN tour prior to the SAFF Championship in New Delhi but the preparation for the second most prestigeous tournament in Asia hasn't been given much priority. Other teams taking part in the tournament such as India are playing against other international teams for the preparation.

Nepal which had been inconsistent in converting the chances has now given opportunities to new players such as Nawayug Shrestha. He scored 7 goals in 'A' Division National League and 16 goals in Martyr's Memorial 'A' Division League. He also scored a winning goal against Himalayan Sherpa Club in a training match in a 1-0 result. The national squad is planning to play against Manang Marsyangdi soon as a part of a warm up.

As other nations are playing competitive international friendlies for preparation, Nepal national team's preparation by playing against the local teams do not seem justifiable. Key players in the opponents or in the domestic clubs are representing Nepal in the contest for example at least seven players from MMC are representing the national side.

And now it will be too little too late to schedule competitive matches without travelling out of the country. Lets hope lack of competitive fixtures before the tournament won't take the team down.

Jagajeet Shrestha and Karna Limbu are some of the promising players excluded from the squad. Bijay Gurung is also injured and did not participated in the match against HSC. His rapid recovery will be the major boon for the squad. 

Ram Gurung

Source (from file): Raju Gurung