Nepali women team, the runner up of last edition, is eying for its maiden title of the regional football tournament at a time when its male counterpart has been reeling under title drought since more than two decades. [break]
The women team had settled for silver medal in the last edition of the tournament held in Cox Bazar, Bangladesh after going down 1-0 in the final against India in December 2010. Similarly, it was defeated 5-0 in the round robin stage of Dhaka South Asian Games (SAG) in February the same year and 3-1 in the final.
In the group stage, Nepal is drawn against the same opponents, Pakistan, Maldives and Afghanistan, as in the last edition. Nepal had recorded convincing victories over all three opponents. Nepal had defeated Maldives 6-0, Afghanistan 13-0 and Pakistan 12-0.
The other teams are India, Bangladesh, Bhutan and host Sri Lanka. The winner and runner up from both the groups will enter semifinal.
According to chief coach Kishor KC, the team is in its best form and is looking to create a history by claiming its first SAFF title. "The training was excellent and the team is fit in all respects, technically, tactically as well as physically," said KC, who is assisted by Kumar Katwal in his job.
Coach KC, who had earlier said spoke of defending champion India as the main obstacle to the title, said, "Our target is to win the title and we are capable of achieving it. We will put a clean and beautiful show against India and beat them."
Nepal expects to meet India in the final.
KC said that he was still working on some tactical areas and replacement players. "We will finalize that in Sri Lanka."
Meanwhile, skipper Jamuna Gurung sounded upbeat and echoed her coach while speaking about the team´s preparations. "We are good in all departments," said Gurung, who sees Bangladesh as a strong opponent as well.
Gurung was also optimistic about beating India and lifting the trophy. "To achieve victory we need team work and support," Gurung said.
Meanwhile, All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) President Ganesh Thapa, expressing his well wishes to the team, said that, Nepal was viewed as one of the title contenders due to the results achieved in past editions.
"Though India is a strong side, there are always chances and possibilities to succeed in football," Thapa said. "Try to create history and give continuity to your best performance."
ANFA officials bade farewell to the 29-member women football which comprises of 20 players, two coaches and seven officials. Bimala Paudel is the manager of the team.
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