Nepal secured a historic 1-0 victory against Singapore, marking their first win over the team after three losses and one draw, all occurring over 36 years ago. The significant match also marked the debut of head coach Matt Ross. Despite logistical challenges and poor viewing quality for fans, the team’s performance, particularly by goalkeeper Kiran Chemjong, was commendable, and they seek to continue this momentum in upcoming matches.
On Friday, Nepal achieved a historic victory by defeating Singapore 1-0 at the National Stadium in Kallang. The sole goal was netted by Gillespye Jung Karki in the 12th minute of the match. This win is particularly significant as it marks the first time Nepal has triumphed over Singapore after three losses and one draw in previous encounters, all of which took place 36 years ago.
Nepal’s football history with Singapore dates back to May 5, 1982, when they first faced off during the King’s Cup, resulting in a 0-2 defeat for Nepal. A significant moment occurred in 1986 when Nepal held Singapore to a 0-0 draw during the Nepal Panchayat Silver Jubilee Cup. However, the following years saw Nepal suffer defeats in two World Cup Qualifiers in 1989, losing 0-3 and 0-7.
The recent win under the leadership of new head coach Matt Ross is a strong start for the national team. Coach Ross expressed confidence in his players, highlighting the crucial role played by goalkeeper and captain Kiran Chemjong. Chemjong, in his 104th appearance for the national team, made vital saves that secured Nepal’s win against Singapore.
Despite the scoreline favoring Nepal, Singapore continued to press for an equalizer. Chemjong’s remarkable saves, including a crucial one-on-one against Harhys Stewart, alongside steadfast defensive efforts, maintained the narrow lead. Even the crossbar contributed to the team’s defense during added time.
Karki stated the team aims to sustain their momentum as they prepare to face Malaysia shortly. Nepal’s recent friendly game comes after having exchanged home fixtures with Malaysia due to stadium issues, as the Dasharath Stadium was not deemed fit for international matches by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC).
The All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) faced backlash from fans for not hosting the match at home. They did arrange for the match to be broadcast live, but viewers in Nepal were disappointed by poor visual quality during the game. Nevertheless, a strong showing of Nepali fans in Singapore provided support for the team, even as there were technical issues that affected the viewing experience.
Nepal’s historic victory over Singapore signifies a positive turn for the national football team under new head coach Matt Ross. The match not only marked their first win against Singapore after decades but also showcased crucial contributions from players like Kiran Chemjong. However, logistical challenges and concerns regarding broadcast quality have emerged as pressing issues for fans. Looking ahead, the team aims to build on this success as they prepare for future matches, particularly against Malaysia.
Original Source: kathmandupost.com
