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The Nepali camp, however, is optimistic they will fare well in the second leg to secure a passage to the second round of the World Cup Qualifiers. Going by the statistics, India will be firm favourites to win the match given that Nepal have won only twice in their 16 previous meetings. India have won 12 times while two matches had ended in draws. One of the two wins for Nepal came during the 2013 Saff Championship when they edged their neighbours 2-1 in the group stage.
But against all odds Nepal coach Jack Stefanowski was optimistic that his team was capable of turning the table around and overcome the 2-0 first leg deficit. “Our plans in the away leg did not work well but we have spent the last couple of days addressing those problems,” said Stefanowski. The Polish-born-American coach also indicated on making a few changes to the team that played on March 12 in Guwahati. “Of course, we are under pressure but the stakes are high in the game. It has become a matter of pride for us,” said the Nepal coach.
Nepal skipper Sagar Thapa also believed that they have the potential to put on an extraordinary effort to turn the tables around, especially on their home turf. Speaking of the goal drought, Thapa said: “we have not been able to score for almost two years now but that can change tomorrow (Tuesday). Playing at your own backyard and with the backing of passionate fans we will hopefully succeed,” said the Nepal skipper.
India are still not taking the match lightly despite the two-goal lead. India coach Stephen Constantine said the game was till wide open. “Only the first half is finished and 2-0 is a fragile lead. Anything can happen in the second leg and there is no room for complacency,” said Constantine, who managed the Nepali team during 1999-2001.
“They (Nepal) are fighters and I expect them to come hard on us, especially on home turf.” During his tenure as coach, Constantine guided Nepal to second place finish in the 1999 South Asian Games held in Kathmandu .
But against all odds Nepal coach Jack Stefanowski was optimistic that his team was capable of turning the table around and overcome the 2-0 first leg deficit. “Our plans in the away leg did not work well but we have spent the last couple of days addressing those problems,” said Stefanowski. The Polish-born-American coach also indicated on making a few changes to the team that played on March 12 in Guwahati. “Of course, we are under pressure but the stakes are high in the game. It has become a matter of pride for us,” said the Nepal coach.
Nepal skipper Sagar Thapa also believed that they have the potential to put on an extraordinary effort to turn the tables around, especially on their home turf. Speaking of the goal drought, Thapa said: “we have not been able to score for almost two years now but that can change tomorrow (Tuesday). Playing at your own backyard and with the backing of passionate fans we will hopefully succeed,” said the Nepal skipper.
India are still not taking the match lightly despite the two-goal lead. India coach Stephen Constantine said the game was till wide open. “Only the first half is finished and 2-0 is a fragile lead. Anything can happen in the second leg and there is no room for complacency,” said Constantine, who managed the Nepali team during 1999-2001.
“They (Nepal) are fighters and I expect them to come hard on us, especially on home turf.” During his tenure as coach, Constantine guided Nepal to second place finish in the 1999 South Asian Games held in Kathmandu .
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