News

2024-03-22

Bahrain secure commanding victory over Nepal in World Cup Qualifiers First Leg

Nepal succumbed to a 5-0 defeat against Bahrain in the first leg of the World Cup Qualifiers second round on Thursday.

Bahrain were dominant throughout the match with Nepal failing to make any significant inroads into the match. The margin of defeat could have been more significant if not for the exceptional saves by skipper and goalkeeper Kiran Chemjong.

Bahrain took an early lead with Mahdi Humaidan finding the net in just the second minute. Sayed Baqer doubled the advantage in the ninth minute, followed by Ali Madan extending the lead to 3-0 just before halftime. Ebrahim Alkhatal added another goal with a well-placed header, and Bahrain secured their fifth goal from a penalty kick through Ismaeel Abdulatif Hasan.

Abhishek Limbu, Saubhagya Rai, Samir Tamang, and Sanjeeb Bista, made their debuts for the senior side.

Nepal will play in the second leg scheduled for March 26.

Read more

2024-03-19

ANFA Community Course Kicks Off in Banke

The ANFA Community Course commenced in Nepalgunj, Banke district, on Tuesday.

The four-day course was inaugurated by Nepalgunj Sub-Metropolitan City Mayor Prashant Bista and Banke District Sports Development Committee Chairperson Sandip Jung Shah. Bhojraj Shahi, ANFA Ex-Co member and President of Banke District Football Association, also graced the inauguration ceremony.

Organized by Banke District Football Association with technical support from ANFA, the course features ANFA's Acting Technical Director and former national football team captain, Hari Khadka, alongside Head of Coach Education, Sanjeet Singh, who will provide valuable insights to the 45 participating coaches from various districts.

Read more

2024-03-19

ANFA leadership advocates for football development in meeting with sports minister

ANFA President Pankaj Bikram Nembang and General Secretary Kiran Rai, accompanied by Deputy General Secretary Damodar Bhattarai and Ex-Co member Manish Joshi, paid a courtesy visit to the newly-appointed Minister for Youth and Sports Biraj Bhakta Shrestha. The meeting at the latter's office in Singha Durbar ended on a very constructive and optimistic note concerning various footballing matters.

During the meeting, President Nembang highlighted ANFA's bid to bolster football initiatives across the country through promoting grassroots talent and other footballing activities on various levels and age groups. He reiterated ANFA's commitment towards the development of the game and outlined organizational plans to organize both national and international tournaments.

President Nembang withdrew the minister's attention towards the financial constraints ANFA currently faces which has severely crippled its ability to host national and international tournaments on a regular basis.

President Nembang sought government support and appealed for financial assistance in the current or upcoming fiscal year to ensure the smooth execution of footballing activities nationwide. He submitted a memorandum and mentioned the need for funding to facilitate top-tier leagues including the A, B and C Division Leagues, league qualifiers, women's competitions, district tournaments, and more.

He urged for governmental backing in providing an additional monthly allowance to the national men's and women's team members on top of the amount already provided by ANFA and proposed annual awards for the best male and female players, appealing for government support in its implementation.

The visiting delegation also presented a token of gratitude to the minister and extended their best wishes for his successful tenure in office.

Read more

2024-03-18

ANFA Women's League Qualifiers rescheduled due to provincial sports event clash

The ANFA Women's League Qualifiers have been postponed by two weeks due to a scheduling conflict with an event organized by the Bagmati Province Sports Development Council. The Council is set to host the Inter-Province National Sports from Chaitra 25 to Baisakh 1 and has requested the avoidance of any overlapping sports activities during this period.

The Qualifiers was originally scheduled from April 5 (Chaitra 23) in Surkhet but now will kick off from April 19, 2024 (Baisakh 7, 2081).

The Qualifiers will take place in the Surkhet district of Karnali Province, featuring participation from all seven provincial teams.

The top three teams emerging from this competition will progress to the League stage.

ANFA will take charge of organizing and covering the accommodation and transportation costs for the Qualifiers. Karnali District Football Association and Surkhet District Football Association will collaborate as co-hosts to ensure the successful completion of the event.

Furthermore, a FIFA Connect Workshop convened at the ANFA Complex in Satdobato on Monday, featuring representatives from all seven provinces.

Read more