The AFC Challenge Cup is the latest in the portfolio of prestigious AFC competitions, dedicated to national teams of Asian emerging countries. The inaugural competition, to be played in Dhaka and Chittagong from April 1-16, represents a tremendous opportunity for teams to experience participation in a continental sporting event and the possibility to win a prestigious AFC trophy. Nepal is in Group B with Bhutan, Sri Lanka and Brunei. Sixteen nations in four groupings are playing the tournament.
As part of their preparation, the Nepali national team visited Kolkata, India to acclimatize to the Bangladeshi weather and playing standard where they defeated three Indian teams including East Bengal. The team is leaving for Chittagong, Bangladesh today.
A superlative coach, Shyam Thapa, who had coached Indian giants East Bengal and the Indian Youth team in the late 70s and 90s, is all set to bring glory by reaching the finals of AFC Challenge Cup to be held in Dhaka, Chittagong from April 1-16. Coach Thapa, who was also member of the Indian team that won the bronze medal in 1970 Asian Cup, Bangkok, knows the task isn’t easy. Limited choices, short of training days and injuries to some key players are the main headaches for Thapa. Nonetheless, he is sure to cross first obstacle beating all three (Bhutan, Brunei and Sri Lanka) teams in the Group.
Nepal football coach Shyam Thapa
Nepal football coach Shyam Thapa
Nepalnews caught up with Shyam Thapa before the team left for Bangladesh and talked about the team’s tactics, preparation and hopes that somehow can erase the hullabaloo of latest performance in SAFF Championship 2005.
Excerpts from the talk:
How do you find the condition of the Nepalese side after you took charge?
Well, I have been working with Nepalese football for three years and I know everything about each and every player. But, limited choices, injury and short of training days may hinder our way. But, I can assure you that, after my helm, the boys have improved a lot and ready to play the first edition of the AFC Challenge Cup.
After coming out with fruitful results in youth football, you are being categorized as a successful coach. Do you think that ANFA has respected your work appointing you as a head coach?
I think so. We worked hard during the youth football tournament and achieved good results. We fought hard against Japan, defeated Vietnam and unfortunately lost to Malaysia in AFC U-19 Cup 2005. We performed well in the AFC U-19 qualifying round 2006. That’s why I couldn’t turn away accepting challenges. I am sure we will do our best in the AFC Challenge Cup.
The AFC Challenge Cup is knocking at the door and ANFA has already selected players for the tournament. Are you confident with your boys on achieving excellent results?
Had some of our players not been suffering from various injuries, we could have had a very strong side. But the current squad can tackle any obstacles during the tournament as we have perfect blend of experienced and rookie players. I am fully confident with my boys for ‘mouth-watering results’.
Who are your lethal weapons for the tournament?
As I told you before, we are leaving Nepal without four of our first team players; Janak Singh, Rakesh Shrestha, Pralaya Rajbhandari and Upendra Man Singh (retired), but fresh blood that are included in the team can fulfill their void. Our rookie players are ready for any challenge. So, I think a perfect blend of experienced and young players is the main lethal weapon. Some young players like Pradeep Maharjan, Bijaya Maharjan, Vishan Gauchan, Surendra Tamang and Basanta Thapa are also the key players for us.
How do you analyze the opponent’s vigor?
I think, we are in one of the easier Groups. We know about Bhutanese football and a little bit about Sri Lanka. We had defeated Bhutan in all meetings in the senior level but we are totally unaware about Brunei football though they are ranked below us in the FIFA ranking. We will defeat all of them to get to the second round berth.
Will three friendly matches in India provide Nepalese team a big boost?
Yes, definitely. We have set three friendly matches against East Bengal, Mohun Bagan amd Mohammedan Sporting Club in Kolkata, India. I am sure the boys will learn a lot during those matches. (Note: Nepal ended up playing and defeating Indian powerhouse East Bengal 2-1, Sports Authority of India 1-0 and East Bengal U-19 2-0)
Are you sure about reaching the final stage of the AFC Challenge Cup?
Yes, that’s for sure. We are eying the final berth. We also know the task isn’t trouble free. The boys are ready to erase the hullabaloo performances of SAFF Championship 2005. So, all are ready to give a surprise.
Best of luck
Thank you so much.
What coaches (Shyam Thapa, Dhruba KC and Maheshowr Mulmi) say about the players:
Goal keepers:
Bikash Malla
Plus: aerobically agile, good judgment, commanding, experience
Minus: silly goals due to loose grip, height
Ritesh Thapa
Plus: experience, good judgment
Minus: shooting (power), height
Surendra Lal Shrestha
Plus: height, shooting
Minus: inexperience
Defense:
Lok Bandu Gurung
Plus: good vision, shooting, free-kick
Minus: height, un-necessary dribbling
Sagar Thapa
Plus: speed, shooting
Minus: less vision, aggressive
Nabin Neupane
Plus: shooting, versatile
Minus: slow, height
Anjan KC
Plus: shooting, free-kick
Minus: physical strength, slow
Tashi Tsering
Plus: height, shooting, versatile
Minus: consistency
Ram Kumar Biswash
Plus: height, heading, shooting
Minus: technique, foot work
Suman Subedi
Plus: attacking, height
Minus: foot work, techniques
Mid Field:
Bijaya Gurung
Plus: skill
Minus: physical strength
Vishan Gauchan
Plus: good vision, skill, consistency
Minus: shooting, height
Rajesh Shahi
Plus: playmaker
Minus: slow, shooting
Raju Tamang
Plus: playmaker
Minus: physical strength, slow
Predeep Maharjan
Plus: height, shooting, accuracy, speed
Minus: consistency
Hari Khadka
Plus: experience, good vision and commanding
Minus: (injury)
Forward:
Basanta Thapa
Plus: accuracy, shooting, physics, heading
Minus: footwork
Ramesh Budhathoki
Plus: speed, power
Minus: height, techniques
Jumanu Rai
Plus: attacking, speed
Minus: height, accuracy
Surendra Tamang
Plus: shooting, speed, scoring
Minus: selfishness, over carry
Overall, it remains to see, whether the Nepalese warriors perform well or not. Can they break the jinx of bitter performances abroad? Hopefully, they can and they will!