Nepal Achieves Historic Victory Against Singapore in Football Friendly
Nepal secured its first-ever victory against Singapore in a friendly match with a 1-0 score, thanks to Gillespye Jung Karki’s goal. This match marked the debut of head coach Matt Ross and highlighted key performances from players like Kiran Chemjong. Despite technical issues during the broadcast, the win is a significant milestone for Nepalese football, as they strive for continued success.
On Friday, Nepal achieved a historic victory against Singapore in a friendly match held at the National Stadium in Kallang, marking their first win against Singapore after three losses and one draw in previous encounters over 36 years. The decisive goal was scored by Gillespye Jung Karki in the 12th minute, symbolizing a significant milestone for Nepalese football and its new head coach, Matt Ross.
This victory is particularly meaningful, as Nepalese fans recall their first match against Singapore on May 5, 1982, where they lost 2-0 during the King’s Cup. Subsequent matches between the two have likewise seen Nepal struggle, including losses of 0-3 and 0-7 during World Cup qualifiers in 1989. Karki’s goal represents Nepal’s only goal against Singapore in their historical face-offs.
Head Coach Matt Ross expressed confidence in his players, particularly praising goalkeeper and captain Kiran Chemjong for his outstanding performance during the match. Chemjong’s remarkable saves, especially towards the end of the game, were pivotal in securing Nepal’s victory. Notably, the match also featured the senior debut of teenager Subash Bam Thakuri.
Despite a strong start, Nepal faced relentless attacks from Singapore, with Chemjong making critical saves, including a one-on-one challenge against Harhys Stewart. The defensive efforts from the team were commendable, with defenders sacrificing their bodies to block shots and even the crossbar thwarting a free kick attempt in the dying moments of the game.
The All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) faced backlash from supporters regarding the team’s need to play their away fixture against Malaysia in Singapore, rather than at home, after Dasharath Stadium was deemed unfit for international matches. Consequently, the ANFA had previously arranged for a live broadcast of the friendly which unfortunately disappointed many fans due to poor visual quality.
Despite the technical difficulties in the broadcast, Nepali fans residing in Singapore showed robust support at the stadium, enhancing the atmosphere of the match. While the live coverage was disrupted, fans expressed concern about potentially similar issues arising during upcoming games, particularly the meeting with Malaysia.
In summary, Nepal’s historic victory over Singapore not only symbolizes a significant achievement for the national team under new coach Matt Ross but also showcases the resilience of Nepalese football. Furthermore, the logistical challenges faced by the All Nepal Football Association raised concerns about the viewing experience for fans. Moving forward, Nepal looks to build momentum as they prepare for their next encounter against Malaysia.
Original Source: kathmandupost.com
