ANFA: All Nepal Football Association

2021-06-12

ANFA marked 6th death anniversary of late Lalit Krishna Shrestha

The All Nepal Football Association today marked 6th death anniversary of late Lalit Krishna Shrestha, former acting president of the ANFA and president of Three Star Club.

The football fraternity paid floral tribute to his statue at the ANFA premises amid a programme organised by the ANFA.

Shrestha passed away of electrocution at his residence in Bhaisepati on this day in 2015.

2021-06-11

Nepal finish World Cup Qualifiers campaign with Australia defeat

Ayush Ghalan, Kamal Thapa and Suraj Jeu Thakuri made their debuts as Nepal lose 3-0 to Australia in the World Cup Asian Qualifiers match on Friday.

At the Jaber Al-Ahmad Stadium in Kuwait, Mathew Leckie, Fran Karacic and Martin Boyle scored for the Australian side.

Leckie scored the first with a header in the sixth minute before Karacic doubled the lead in the 38th. Nepal were down to 10 in the final minutes of the first half when Rohit Chand was given a straight red for a foul.

Australian side scored the third in the second half through Boyle.

"We gave our best and tried to play on the counter. We didn't try to play defensive and merits to the Australian team for their physical advantage," said Nepal's head coach Abdullah Almutairi.

Australian head coach Graham Arnold praised the fighting mentality of the Nepali side. "They fought and fought and didn't stop running. But we came here for a job and haven't finished yet," said coach Arnold.

Nepali team will now fly back home on the 13th of June.

2021-06-10

'Youngsters likely to feature against Australia'

Nepali national team head coach Abdullah Almutairi said young players yet to play for the national team are likely to feature in the match against Australia.

"Yes, if everything goes well Ayush Ghalan, Suraj Jeu Thakuri and Kamal Thapa will play. I understand playing against Australia is going to be difficult but it is important for them to play," said coach Abdullah in the pre-match press conference before Australia game.

"Hopefully we shall play another good match against Australia. Our style of play has improved and we have been able to make our supporters happy," he added.

Australian head coach Graham Arnold said Nepal were a hardworking team and their team were excited to play against them. "They have been playing a different style and try to play from the back a lot. The coach is doing a very good job and we respect Nepal, they are a hardworking team," said coach Arnold.

Coach Arnold said they will make changes against Nepal. "We will freshen up the squad again. We have 29 players with four goalkeepers. For me, its about performance and I expect a great performance," he said.

Nepal will play their final World Cup Qualifiers match against Australia at Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium at 7 pm local time (9:45NST) on Friday.

2021-06-07

Disappointment against Jordan

Nepal lost 3-0 against Jordan in the World Cup Asian Qualifiers match on Monday.

Baha Faisal Seif scored through a penalty in the 24th minute and doubled the lead with a free-kick in the 49th. Yazan Alarab scored a third in the 67th minute.

Nepal also created some chances against their superior opponents but was unable to convert them.

Head coach Abdullah Almutairi said the penalty changed everything in the first half. "We played well and my players gave their best but the penalty changed the game and gave Jordan the confidence," said coach Abdullah.

Abdullah said the team will play with the same fighting spirit against Australia. "I will not just defend and lose the game. If I am to lose, I will lose with honour and play against Australia with the same spirit," he added.

Nepal will now play their final match against Australia in the same venue on June 11.

Photo courtesy: Kuwait FA