Nepal defeated Singapore for the first time in history during a friendly match, with Gillespye Jung Karki scoring the only goal. This marked a significant debut for head coach Matt Ross and the first victory over Singapore after three losses and one draw. The match was marred by broadcasting issues, which left many fans dissatisfied despite a solid turnout in Singapore.
Nepal recently achieved a significant milestone in football by defeating Singapore for the first time in history during a friendly match at the National Stadium in Kallang. This historic victory was marked by Gillespye Jung Karki’s goal in the 12th minute, which laid the foundation for the win. Furthermore, it represented the inaugural triumph for Nepal over Singapore after three previous losses and one draw, all of which dated back 36 years.
The long-standing rivalry began on May 5, 1982, when Nepal faced defeat with a score of 0-2 during the King’s Cup. Subsequently, Nepal managed a draw against Singapore in 1986 but endured two more losses in 1989 during World Cup Qualifiers, culminating in scores of 0-3 and 0-7. Karki’s goal thus holds substantial significance, being the only goal scored by Nepal against Singapore in their historical encounters.
This match was particularly meaningful as it also marked the debut for Nepal’s new head coach, Matt Ross, who expressed confidence in his players during the post-match remarks. The team’s captain and goalkeeper, Kiran Chemjong, made crucial saves throughout the match, preventing any equalizing goals from Singapore, especially notable during a one-on-one attempt against Harhys Stewart.
Post-match, Karki expressed hopes of maintaining the positive momentum as they prepare to face Malaysia in upcoming fixtures. Despite the victory, fans in Nepal expressed dissatisfaction regarding the viewing experience of the game, which was broadcasted in poor quality due to technical difficulties. Although the match attracted a strong turnout of Nepali supporters in Singapore, many fans in Nepal found it hard to watch Karki’s historic goal due to disruptions in the live feed.
As a result of the Asian Football Confederation’s unfit conditions at Dasharath Stadium, Nepal had exchanged its away fixture against Malaysia, leading to the scheduling of the friendly in Singapore. Criticism towards the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) ensued as fans found it unacceptable that Nepal was not playing at home. ANFA, which secured an agreement to broadcast this match, faces scrutiny regarding the potentiality of recurrence of such broadcasting issues during future games.
In conclusion, Nepal’s victory over Singapore marks a historic achievement in their football journey, highlighting the importance of teamwork and the role of the new head coach, Matt Ross. Despite the challenges faced during the broadcast of the match, the enthusiasm from the Nepali fans, both at the stadium and at home, showcases the growing support for football in Nepal. As they prepare for their next match against Malaysia, the team aims to capitalize on this momentum.
Original Source: kathmandupost.com
