India take on their neighbours Nepal in their pursuit to qualify for FIFA World Cup 2018 in AFC region. The first leg of these crucial encounter will take place on March 12 in Guwahati and the return leg on March 17.
India looking fresh with major boost for football in the country due to ISL would like to take on unfavored Nepal side and are nothing but have to win in the first leg. India are currently 171 in FIFA rankings where as their counter-parts are 180 as it stands before the clash.
With India roping in a new coach Constantine who will serve his second term as Indian coach is expected to win the tie in all circumstances. He also served as Nepal’s coach back in 1999.
Nepal on the other hand will look to create a upset as they have often failed to win against India and the last time they won against India is almost 2 years ago in SAFF championship.
“India are tough opponents but our boys have played a lot of domestic matches. We had a good training before the tournament and everyone in the side is quite fit. I think we are up for the task,” Nepal Coach Stefanowski said earlier.
Indian coach Constantine expects his team to play for their potential in their pre-match press conference by adding, “If the Players are willing to work hard, results can always be achieved. This may be a sentimental match for me as I had earlier coached Nepal. But on the pitch it would be pure business. Nepal are an organised side and would be ready to fight. It will be a big challenge,” he adds.
“As I said before we need to have a new beginning and try to develop a new look and a new attitude and that’s why we have a new Captain. Sunil is a part of it but for the next two matches, Subrata Paul will be the Captain. We have huge respect for Sunil and that’s the reason we have him as the vice-Captain.
India and Nepal both will look to qualify for the second round of qualifiers which will begin from June 11, 2015 to March 29, 2016. The match is scheduled at 7 pm IST and will telecasted on DD NE and Newstime Assam.
Notable Stats:
Total Matches played: 14
Matches won by India: 11
Matches won by Nepal: 2
Matches drawn: 1
Goals scored by India: 26
Goals scored by Nepal: 7