Breaking News
latest sports updates

Football

Football

ANFA executive members demand President Nembang’s Resignation Over Leadership Failure, with an option

Kathmandu — A major rift has surfaced within the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) as multiple executive members, including the Senior Vice President, have demanded the resignation of President Pankaj Bikram Nembang, expressing grave dissatisfaction with his leadership and concern over the declining state of Nepali football. At a joint press conference held on Monday at Café Point, Naxal, Senior Vice President Bir Bahadur Khadka, Vice President Birat Jung Shahi, and Executive Members Rabindra Chand Thakuri and Rupesh Adhikari collectively called for Nembang to step down. The group has also urged ANFA leadership to immediately announce early elections and resume the long-delayed national league. “Under this ineffective leadership, Nepal has failed to organise its top-tier league for years,” said Senior Vice President Khadka. “We respectfully urge President Pankaj Bikram Nembang to step aside if he cannot revive football in the country. If he refuses to do so, we demand the announcement of early elections. We are ready to carry forward all stalled programs ourselves.” ![](https://bootballer.com/storage/media/posts/qLUnyaZYIvQGQ8wAu2pS4gaEhQhsYL6NGryxSwAV.jpg) Echoing similar sentiments, Central Executive Member Rabindra Chand accused the leadership of being “arrogant with majority power” and failing to generate internal resources. “Our voices are being ignored in executive meetings,” Chand said. “Due to the leadership’s inability to mobilise resources, the football cycle has been completely disrupted.” Under Nembang’s leadership, ANFA has failed to organise the top-division league for nearly two and a half years—a record hiatus in Nepali football history. Although ANFA had announced plans to conduct the league in January (Poush), meetings between the football governing body and top-division clubs have yet to materialise, deepening the uncertainty over the domestic football calendar. This internal fallout has once again highlighted the deep-rooted crisis in Nepali football governance, with growing calls for accountability, reform, and revival.

Football

Bangladesh Lose 4–3 to Hong Kong in Last-Minute Thriller

Dhaka, October 9, 2025 — Bangladesh suffered a heartbreaking 4–3 defeat to Hong Kong in a pulsating AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers Group C clash at the National Stadium in Dhaka. Despite a stellar performance from Hamza Choudhury and late goals from Shekh Morsalin and Shamit Shome, a stoppage-time hat-trick from Raphael Merkies denied the hosts a point. Bangladesh took the lead in the 13th minute through Choudhury's audacious free-kick, thrilling the home crowd. However, Everton Camargo equalised for Hong Kong just before halftime, turning the match into an open contest. The second half saw Hong Kong take control, with substitute Raphael Merkies scoring twice in the 50th and 74th minutes to put his side 3–1 ahead. Bangladesh fought back, with Morsalin pulling one back in the 84th minute and Shome equalising deep into stoppage time (90+9'). ![](https://bootballer.com/storage/media/posts/xDm5iqBpgf4dvcZOhRBDhiPeS4JWxmO2ckkBu8fl.avif) Drama peaked in the 90+11th minute when Merkies struck a stunning volley to complete his hat-trick, handing Hong Kong a 4–3 victory. The defeat leaves Bangladesh with just one point from three matches, while Hong Kong strengthens its position in Group C following a previous win over India. Final Score: 🇧🇩 Bangladesh 3–4 Hong Kong 🇭🇰 (Choudhury 13', Morsalin 84', Shome 90+9' | Camargo 45+4', Merkies 50', 74', 90+11') Bangladesh now faces an uphill battle to stay in contention in the qualifiers, while Hong Kong celebrates a dramatic and decisive win.

Football

Sri Lanka Stun Turkmenistan 1–0 to Take First-Leg Advantage

Colombo, October 9 — A day to be remembered as one of Sri Lanka's finest footballing moments, the island nation pulled off a sensational 1–0 victory over Turkmenistan in the first leg of the AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers at the Sugathadasa Stadium on Thursday. Despite sitting 59 places below their opponents in the FIFA World Rankings — Sri Lanka at 197th and Turkmenistan at 138th — the Abdullah almutairi's side delivered a spirited performance, backed by a passionate Colombo crowd that roared them toward a famous win. Sri Lanka's defence stood tall against waves of Turkmen pressure, while their counterattacks posed a real threat throughout the contest. The decisive moment came midway through the match, when the home side capitalised on a rare opening to take the lead — a goal that sent the stadium into raptures and shifted belief across the Sri Lankan bench. ![](https://bootballer.com/storage/media/posts/WbeyU2xLwAsJmr7fIF13s3o3fFZygV9bbK2ZdV5g.jpg) Turkmenistan pressed hard for an equaliser in the second half but found no way past the disciplined Sri Lankan backline and an inspired goalkeeper who ensured the clean sheet remained intact. The narrow victory gives Sri Lanka a slender but vital edge heading into the second leg in Ashgabat on October 14, where they will aim to protect their lead and continue their remarkable journey toward Asian football's grand stage — the AFC Asian Cup 2027. For Lankan, this win was more than just a win; it was a statement of intent from a team long written off, now daring to dream.

Cricket

Football

Lamichhane's Late Heroics Seal Dramatic Five-Run Victory, Put Nepal on Brink of T20 World Cup

Al Amerat, Oman — Nepal secured a sensational five-run victory over Qatar in a nerve-shredding ICC Men's T20 World Cup Asia & EAP Qualifier Super Six fixture, thanks to a monumental late spell from star leg-spinner Sandeep Lamichhane. In a match that Qatar appeared to have won easily, Lamichhane's five-wicket haul triggered a dramatic collapse, keeping Nepal's unbeaten run alive and pushing them to the brink of qualification for the T20 World Cup 2026. After being asked to bat first, Nepal posted a modest total of 147/9 on a slow Al Amerat surface. Captain Rohit Paudel anchored the innings, battling early pressure to compile a crucial 58 before an underwhelming death-overs finish saw Nepal fall short of the anticipated 160-plus mark. Qatar's Mirza Mohammed Baig was the pick of the bowlers, claiming three wickets. The chase began disastrously for Nepal, with Qatar's openers, spearheaded by Imal Liyanage, dominating the powerplay to race to 53/0 (6). Even after Lamichhane was finally introduced and broke the opening stand, Qatar remained firmly in control at 105/2 (13 overs), needing just 43 runs from 42 balls "Qatar's game to lose." The highly anticipated upset seemed inevitable. ![](https://bootballer.com/storage/media/posts/qF5dNdOeFAXFkJjeEpF3nnBmRSRNMKfZViH4j7IX.jpg) However, the game turned on its head in a breathtaking exhibition of spin bowling. Known for producing thrilling matches, Nepal witnessed their talisman, Lamichhane, deliver a match-defining spell. Striking twice in quick succession to bring his tally to three wickets, he sliced through the middle order, reducing Qatar to 122/5 (16 overs). The pressure mounted exponentially in the final overs, culminating in the complete disintegration of the Qatari challenge. Lamichhane finished his final over with the remaining wickets, claiming an astonishing five-wicket haul for just 18 runs across his 3.5 overs. The final Qatar wicket fell with just one ball left in the innings, leaving them all out for 142. ![](https://bootballer.com/storage/media/posts/cvYqR6COz5DUx5inztWnyaYSHuGEHXIJQFS36YnJ.jpg) Nepal's four consecutive victories in the qualifiers solidify their position at the top of the Super Six table. While it was heartbreak for Qatar, who squandered a golden chance at a famous upset, Nepal's ability to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat proves their resilience and places them firmly in the driver's seat for a coveted spot in the 2026 T20 World Cup.

Football

**Janakpur Bolts Name West Indies Legend Chanderpaul as Head Coach**

Defending champions Janakpur Bolts have officially appointed former West Indies captain Shivnarine Chanderpaul as their new head coach for the upcoming second edition of the Nepal Premier League (NPL). The franchise announced the high-profile signing on Sunday, expressing confidence that Chanderpaul’s vast international experience will guide the team toward a successful title defence. He replaces Pubudu Dassanayake, who recently took charge as the head coach of the United States national team. Chanderpaul, one of the most respected figures in world cricket, represented the West Indies in 164 Test matches and 268 One Day Internationals, amassing over 20,000 international runs during his illustrious 21-year career. Known for his resilience and unorthodox batting stance, the Guyanese great brings with him a wealth of experience from major T20 leagues, having featured in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL), Vitality Blast, Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), Champions League T20, and the Indian Premier League (IPL). ![](https://bootballer.com/storage/media/posts/UwrVpOI4K9zqeMpSPNHGxr1d0NGUVaqRAkxjj5sz.png) Beyond his playing career, Chanderpaul has also served as a coach for Jamaica’s CPL franchise and the USA Women’s National Cricket Team, earning praise for his tactical insight and player development skills. The second season of the Nepal Premier League is scheduled to take place from Mangsir 1 to 27 (mid-November to mid-December), promising high-octane cricket action as Nepali franchises gear up with international expertise. With Chanderpaul at the helm, Janakpur Bolts aim to build on their winning legacy and set new benchmarks in Nepali franchise cricket.

Football

Nepal Clinch Crucial One-Run Win Over UAE

In one of the most nerve-wracking encounters of the ICC Men’s T20 Asia and East Asia-Pacific Qualifiers Super Six stage, Nepal held their composure to defeat the United Arab Emirates (UAE) by just one run, sealing a crucial victory at the Oman Cricket Academy Ground on Sunday. With this thrilling win, Nepal added two valuable points, taking their tally to four in the Super Six standings — keeping their hopes alive for qualification. The victory was built on Asif Sheikh’s half-century and Dipendra Singh Airee’s exceptional all-round performance, including a match-winning final over. **Nepal’s Innings: Asif Anchors the Total** After winning the toss, Nepal captain Rohit Paudel opted to bat first on a balanced surface. Openers Kushal Bhurtel and Asif Sheikh gave Nepal a solid foundation, adding 45 runs in the powerplay. The pair’s stand extended to 56 runs before Bhurtel was trapped leg-before by Harshit Kaushik after scoring 28 off 26 balls, including two fours and two sixes. Skipper Rohit then joined Asif, and together they contributed another 39-run partnership. Rohit fell for 20 runs, caught by Mohammad Farooq off Mohammad Rohid, leaving Asif to anchor the innings. The wicketkeeper-batter reached his half-century off 45 balls, striking four boundaries and one six, before being bowled by Dhruv Parashar for 51 off 47 balls. Despite a few middle-order stumbles, Nepal managed to post a competitive 140/6 in 20 overs. Gulshan Jha (14 off 5) provided late fireworks with two fours and a six, while Sandeep Jora (4)* and Sompal Kami (6)* remained unbeaten. For the UAE, the bowling was well-shared — six different bowlers picked up a wicket each, including Siddiqui, Rohid, Zahid Ali, Haider Ali, Kaushik, and Parashar. ![](https://bootballer.com/storage/media/posts/O0ZqM9Iqifh4ThG0kmRvoI5t8AtDevBbW3Fzd4UJ.jpg) **UAE’s Chase: Airee Shines Under Pressure** Chasing 141 for victory, the UAE’s innings began cautiously. Lalit Rajbanshi bowled a maiden first over, setting the tone. In the next, Sompal Kami removed Muhammad Waseem (1), brilliantly caught by Bhurtel, leaving UAE at 1/1. However, Alishan Sharafu counterattacked, surviving an early dropped catch and then smashing boundaries to shift momentum. Sharafu’s half-century — 50 off 34 balls with three fours and five sixes — stabilised the innings alongside Jonathan Figy, as the duo stitched an 81-run stand for the second wicket. Figy departed for 19, caught off Airee, before Airee also bowled Sharafu for 58 (40), swinging the momentum back in Nepal’s favour. The middle order crumbled quickly — Harshit Kaushik (2) and Rahul Chopra (7) fell cheaply, the latter run out by Airee’s sharp fielding. By the 16th over, the UAE were 96/6, still needing 45 runs from 26 balls. They fought back with a 15-run 17th over and 12 runs off the 19th, setting up a heart-stopping finale. ![](https://bootballer.com/storage/media/posts/gkOOY6LeNf6IIzEM7OZXj3evsvXGuyPj2oBzPyjs.jpg) **Final Over Drama: Airee Holds His Nerve** With 10 runs needed off the final over, skipper Rohit Paudel entrusted the ball to Dipendra Singh Airee. The equation came down to 3 runs required off three balls after Dhruv Parashar struck a six on the third delivery. But Airee had the final say — Parashar (32) was caught by Sandeep Jora, Haider Ali was run out on the next ball, and Zahid Ali’s desperate attempt for a second run ended in another run-out. The UAE were bowled out for 139, falling just one run short of Nepal’s total. Airee was magnificent, taking three wickets for 22 runs in 4 overs, while Sandeep Lamichhane, Gulshan Jha, and Sompal Kami each chipped in with a wicket. Nepal also executed three run-outs, underlining their fielding brilliance under pressure. **Points Table and What’s Next** With this victory, Nepal and Oman both have four points, while the UAE and Qatar have two points each. Earlier in the day, Oman defeated Qatar by 34 runs to strengthen their position in the standings. Nepal will now face Qatar tomorrow, a match that could prove decisive in determining qualification for the next round.

Test Latest Updates Second

Volleyball, Esports and Off Field Updates

Most Viewed Article

Here are all the most viewed articles of the week, carefully curated to bring you the latest insights and trends in the world of sports.