Nepal Face Hosts Sri Lanka in SAFF U-17 Championship Opener
The 2024 SAFF U-17 Championship kicks off today in Colombo, with Nepal set to face hosts Sri Lanka in the opening fixture at the Colombo Racecourse Sports Complex. The match is scheduled for 7:15 p.m. Nepali time. History strongly favours Nepal in this rivalry. Across four previous meetings in the U-17 SAFF Championship, Nepal has maintained a perfect record against Sri Lanka, scoring 18 goals without conceding a single one. Their most recent clash occurred just last year, when a Sanjog Shrestha-led side claimed a 4-0 victory, highlighted by a hat-trick from Sujan Dangol. Colombo has also been a memorable venue for Nepal. In the 2019 edition hosted in Sri Lanka, Nepal thrashed the hosts 6-0 to reach the final, where they ultimately fell to India 4-0. It was Nepal's fourth runner-up finish in the competition, having previously lost finals to India in 2013, 2017, and 2019. In the last two editions, however, Nepal failed to reach the final. This time, head coach Sanjit Singh has set a measured target—first aiming for the semifinals before thinking about the title. Both teams in our group are strong. We are not underestimating anyone. Our initial focus is on reaching the semifinals, then we'll think about the final," Singh told reporters on Sunday.  Singh's 23-member squad was finalised after a rigorous three-tier selection process at the district, provincial, and central levels. The team had a three-week closed camp in Morang, although the coach admitted that the preparation time was shorter than ideal. "We didn't have much time, but the players made the most of it. Physically and mentally, we are ready," Singh said. Nepal's captain, Prashant Moktan, emphasised the team's blend of youth and experience as a key strength. He is one of five players retained from the last edition, alongside goalkeeper duo Pemba Norbu Bhote and Ram Bohora, defender Bhuvan Kami, and forward Rohit Shrestha. For Moktan and Shrestha, this will be their third straight U-17 SAFF campaign. "We are well prepared. With experienced players in the squad, we'll fight hard and give our best," Moktan said. Sri Lanka, meanwhile, entered the tournament following a two-month closed camp, which included seven friendly matches. Coach Fazul Rahuman has called up six players of foreign origin, while captain Ishaq Maufer brings added pedigree with youth-level experience in Dubai as well as appearances for Sri Lanka's U-19 and U-20 teams. "Past records don't matter—what's in the past is in the past," Rahuman stated. "Nepal and Bangladesh are strong teams, but we are ready for the challenge." Maufer, too, expressed confidence: "Last time we reached the semifinals at home, this time we believe we can go further." With Nepal aiming to return to the final after a gap of several years and Sri Lanka determined to capitalise on home advantage, tonight's opener promises a compelling start to the tournament.
