Aug 31, 2013

History of SAFF Championship:From SAARC Gold Cup to SAFF Championship



Also Known as the World cup of South Asia, the history of SAFF Championship dates back to 1993 AD when the four nations of South Asian Association for Regional Co-operation (SAARC) started a regional football tournament to strengthen football in the region. The first Championship was held in 1993 as the “South Asian Association of regional Co-operation” Gold Cup in Lahore, Pakistan. Only four nations India, Nepal, Sri Lanka participated along with the hosts Pakistan. The Trophy was won by India, stamping its position as the regional powerhouse.In 1995 the competition got another name “South Asian Gold Cup” which was held in Sri Lanka. Though six nations agreed to participate, Maldives later withdrew from the competition leaving only five teams, Bangladesh being the new one joining the nations from first edition. Hosts Sri Lanka won the Cup defeating India in the finals.

It was only after the next edition in 1997 that the championship got a new name, now called “South Asian Football Federation” championships. The first SAFF Cup was held in Kathmandu, Nepal. With Maldives joining, it saw six nations competing for the title.It was India once again winning back the championship lost two years earlier,reinstating itself as the region’s strongest team.
The second SAFF Championships were held in Goa in April 1999. With the same six nations participating, India defended its title beating Maldives in the finals.
Although SAFF decided to make it a biennial event, the following years saw some difficulties and the third edition could be held only in the year 2003, this time with all the eight nations from the region participating, Bhutan and Afghanistan making it for the first time. The hosts Bangladesh won the finals for the first time. It is the only time, India haven’t reached the finals till the present edition.
The fourth SAFF Championships were held in Karachi, Pakistan in 2005. Bangladesh and India played out the final in a repeat of the 1999 final.  India came out on top again, winning the title for the fourth time.
For the first time, the fifth edition of the Championship was held jointly by two nations, Sri Lanka and Maldives in 2008. Though scheduled for 2007, it had to be postponed for technical reasons.  In the finals, Maldives overcame tournament favorites and defending champions India, to lift the title.
The sixth SAFF Championship was initially to be hosted by India, but after a number of reasons, the tournament was hosted by Bangladesh in 2009. India was again in the finals, this time against a well-known opponent, Maldives. India went on to win the title in tie-breakers, winning the championship for a record fifth time. No other country has ever won the Championship more than once.
The seventh SAFF Championship was hosted by India in 2011. Originally scheduled to be hosted by Orissa, the venue was later switched to New Delhi. India rose up to the occasion once again, winning the tournament with an emphatic victory over Afghanistan, who were into the finals for the first time.
This time Nepal is hosting the Championship in Kathmandu with the great hope of overcoming the misery of the Previous Edition of the Tournaments. Nepal always known as one of the strongest team are lacking behind in the Tournament. We hope this time Nepal will end the tournament in winning note.


SAFF Championship 2013: Points Table of SAFF Championship 2013

Tenth Edition of SAFF Championship is going to be held in Nepal from 31st August to December 11. Eight South Asian Countries Nepal, Bangladesh , Bhutan, Afghanistan, India, Pakistan , Maldives and Srilanka are participating to win the Cup. All the Countries except Bhutan are equally favourable to win the Tournaments. Yours Favorite sports portal from Nepal www.anantasports.com will bring live and exclusive update of all the Matches of SAFF Championship 2013. Stay with us for the live and exclusive update of the Tournament. Here we are presenting the Poits Table of SAFF Championship 2013.
 Points Table will be updated after Every Days Match will be Over. You can Watch the Live stream of SAFF Championship 2013 In ESPN Here at


Nepal are the hosts of the tournament which will begin from 31 August in Kathmandu, Nepal. Two grounds, Halchowk stadium and Dasarath Rangashala will be used for the tournament.


Group A
Team           P  W  L  D   G    P
Nepal           3   2   0   1  +3    4
India            3   1   1   1    0    4
Pakistan      3   1   1   1    0    1
Bangladesh 3   0   1   2   -3    1

Group B
Team             P  W  L  D   G    P
Maldives       3   2   0   1  +16  7
Afghanistan  3   2   0   1   +5   7
Sri Lanka      3   1   2   0   -9    3
Bhutan         3   0   3   0  -12   0


Results:
31st August       2013   NEP      2-0         BAN
1st September  2013  IND        1-0          PAK
2nd September 2013 AFG       3-0          BHU
2nd September 2013 MAL      10-0        SL
3rd September 2013  BAN      1-1          IND
3rd September  2013 NEP      1-1          PAK
4th September  2013  AFG      3-2         SL
4th September 2013   MAL      8-2         BHU
5th September 2013  NEP       2-1         IND
5th September 2013  PAK       2-1         BAN
6th September 2013  MAL       0-0         AFG
6th September 2013  SL          5-2         BHU

SAFF Championship 2013: Live update of Nepal Vs Bangladesh


Dear readers Tenth edition of SAFF Championship is going to be held in Nepal from August 31 to September 11. The host country Nepal will take on Another South Asian Giant Bangladesh in their First Match. As both teams are in Group of Death along with other two stronger teams of South Asia India and Pakistan the opening match is crucial for both the teams. Both teams are equally capable of winning but Nepal is playing in home ground can be a advantage for Nepal but the pressure will also be in the team Nepal to win the win infront of crazy fans.

    Undoubtley there will be lots of spectators in the Dashrath Stadium to support Nepal and Stadium will be echoed Nepal all over.Nepal is in 170th position in FIFA ranking only ahead of Bhutan among the South Asian country. While Bangladesh is in 158th Position in FIFA ranking. Nepal and Bangladesh had played the match previously in the same ground and in the AFC Challenge cup Nepal had lost the match against Bangladesh by 2-0. While Nepal had won against Bangladesh in previous edition of SAFF Championship in India by the help of marvelous goal from the captain Sagar Thapa. Nepal will be looking to repeat the same while Bangladesh will be looking to repeat the result of AFC Challenge cup Qualifiers. As usual your favorite sports portal from Nepal will bring the Live stream and Live update of all the SAFF Championship Matches to its readers and viewers. 
UPDATE:
 Nepal won the Match against Bangladesh by 2-0.
Goal Scorer for Nepal Anil gurung and Bharat Khawas


Click here to get the Points Table of SAFF Championship 2013 


Click Here to Watch the Bangladesh Vs Nepal Live Stream

Match Details:  

SAFF Championship 2013 
League Match Group A 
Nepal Vs Bangladesh 
Date: 31st August 2013 
Time :18:30 NST 
Venue: Dashrath Stadium

SAFF Championship 2013: Live Stream of Nepal Vs Bangladesh

Dear readers Tenth edition of SAFF Championship is going to be held in Nepal from August 31 to September 11. The host country Nepal will take on Another South Asian Giant Bangladesh in their First Match. As both teams are in Group of Death along with other two stronger teams of South Asia India and Pakistan the opening match is crucial for both the teams. Both teams are equally capable of winning but Nepal is playing in home ground can be a advantage for Nepal but the pressure will also be in the team Nepal to win the win infront of crazy fans.

    Undoubtley there will be lots of spectators in the Dashrath Stadium to support Nepal and Stadium will be echoed Nepal all over.Nepal is in 170th position in FIFA ranking only ahead of Bhutan among the South Asian country. While Bangladesh is in 158th Position in FIFA ranking. Nepal and Bangladesh had played the match previously in the same ground and in the AFC Challenge cup Nepal had lost the match against Bangladesh by 2-0. While Nepal had won against Bangladesh in previous edition of SAFF Championship in India by the help of marvelous goal from the captain Sagar Thapa. Nepal will be looking to repeat the same while Bangladesh will be looking to repeat the result of AFC Challenge cup Qualifiers. As usual your favorite sports portal from Nepal will bring the Live stream and Live update of all the SAFF Championship Matches to its readers and viewers.
Click here to get the points Table of SAFF Championship 2013.

Click Here to get the live update of Nepal Vs Bangladesh

Match Details:  

SAFF Championship 2013 
League Match Group A 
Nepal Vs Bangladesh 
Date: 31st August 2013 
Time :18:30 NST 
Venue: Dashrath Stadium

Aug 22, 2013

SAFF Championship 2013: Pakistan Sacks Coach Zaviša Milosavljević

There is a another blow for the Pakistan team preparing for SAFF Champiosnhip 2013 after losing against Afghanistan by 3-0 in afghanistan. Pakistan losed the Coach  Zavisa as Pakistan's coach ZaviÅ¡a Milosavljević was axed after Pakistan 3-0 loss to Afghanistan. New coach Mohammad Al-Shamlan of Bahrain will be new coach of Pakistan.Assistant coach Shahzad Anwar will lead the team during the SAFF Championship.
Zaviša Milosavljević

Pakistan coach was heavily criticized by media and even by Pakistan FA and was relieved from the post on Wednesday. Afghanistan handed them a bitter 3-0 loss in a friendly match played in Kabul on Tuesday.

ACC Emerging Teams Cup 2013: Sri Lanka,India Pakistan U-23 and UAE through to final


Dear readers League matches of ACC emerging Teams cup 2013 had come to an end. Host Singapore and Nepal were not able to show any impressive game in the Tournament while Test non Playing Nations Afghanistan upset the India U-23 Team. Afghanistan Under-23s secured a consolation victory over India Under-23s, through a spirited bowling performance in the teams' final group game at the Asian Cricket Council Emerging Teams cup Singapore Similarly UAE gave tough fight against Sri Lanka U-23 and upset Bangladesh U-23. Semifinal Matches will be played between Pakistan U-23 and Sri Lanka U-23 and India U-23 and UAE U-23. Stay with us for the Exclusive update of SAFF Championship 2013.

Group A
Teams
Mat
Won
Lost
Tied
N/R
Pts
Net RR
India U-23s
3
2
1
0
0
4
+0.440
Pak U-23s
3
2
1
0
0
4
+0.425
Afghanistan
3
2
1
0
0
4
+0.177
Nepal
3
0
3
0
0
0
-1.140
Group B
Teams
Mat
Won
Lost
Tied
N/R
Pts
Net RR
SL U-23s
3
3
0
0
0
6
+0.700
U.A.E.
3
2
1
0
0
4
+0.878
Bdesh U-23s
3
1
2
0
0
2
-0.233
Singapore
3
0
3
0
0
0
-1.506

SAFF Championship 2013 official Website Launched

SAFF championship 2013 is the one of the Mega event for all the residents of SAARC region. SAFF Championship 2013 is about to begin from the august 31 and official website of the championship has been launched. www.saffchampionship.org is the official web point of the South Asian mega event. Nepal is hosting the SAFF championship in Kathmandu from August 31. 
Screenshot Image of Official website of SAFF Championship 2013

Eight SAARC countries are participating in the championship. the winning team will get USD 50,000. SAFF has launched an official website for SAFF Championship 2013. We yours favorite sports portal www.anantasports.com will also bring live update, Live stream, and Exclusive update of the SAFF Championship 2013.

Aug 21, 2013

Pakistan’s Wasim Akram marries Aussie girlfriend Shaniera Thompson

Former Pakistan paceman Wasim Akram on Wednesday announced that he had married his Australian girlfriend, Shaniera Thompson, saying he has started a new life on a happy note."I married Shaniera in Lahore last week in a simple ceremony and this is the start of a new life for me, my wife and for my kids," Wasim told AFP.The 47-year-old's first wife Huma died in 2009 after multiple organ failure.
Wasim Akram and his wife Shaniera Thompson
Wasim proposed to the 30-year-old former public relations consultant on bended knee last month and they married on August 12.Thompson came to Karachi earlier this month before going to Lahore to see Wasim's ailing father. There the marriage was solemnised in the presence of immediate family and a few close friends.
Wasim Akram and his wife Shaniera Thompson
Wasim said Thompson had converted to Islam and is learning Urdu."She has embraced Islam and is learning our language. She has been close to my sons and they form a very good bond," said Wasim of his two sons from his first marriage.He said his new wife was eager to settle quickly in Pakistan.
 "I sincerely hope the people of Pakistan and our friends and supporters across the globe will give us their blessing and support," he said.
Wasim Akram , His Wife and Kids

Wasim played 104 Tests and 356 one-day internationals for Pakistan in a career lasting from 1984 to 2003.
He was regarded as one of the best left-arm fast bowlers to have played the game and remains a major celebrity in Pakistan.Wasim was player of the tournament in the country's only triumph in the World Cup, in Australia in 1992. He captained Pakistan to a runners-up finish in the 1999 World Cup in England.

SAFF Championship 2013: Pakistan to be the First Team to arrive Kathmandu

Pakistan National Football Team will be the First Team to arrive Nepal for SAFF Championship as they will arrive Nepal on August 24. While another South Asian Giant will arrive Kathmandu in 26th August and Minnows Bhutan on 27th August.While other South Asian Teams will Arrive on 29th August. ANFA has arranged the accommodation for the Participating Teams in two different Hotels of Kathmandu Everest Hotel and Grand Hotel.


Nepal is hosting the SAFF Championship from 31st August to 11 September where eight South asian Countries are Participating. Nepal is now in Kuwait for the Training Camp while Pakistan just returned from Afghanistan after defeated by host Afghanistan.
Stay with yours favorite Sports portal from Nepal to get the Live update and Live Streaming of SAFF Championship 2013.

Aug 20, 2013

ACC Emerging Teams Cup 2013 Live: Live update of Nepal Vs Pakistan U-23

Dear readers Nepal is facing Pakistan in their third Match of the ACC Emerging Teams Cup 2013 after losing First Two Matches. With two consecutive loss Nepal had almost given up their chance to qualify for the Knock Out Stage but the viewers in Nepal will Follow the Match between Nepal and Pakistan U-23 as they did follow the Previous two Matches. Pakistan had won the Match against Afghanistan and loss against India U-23 both with the narrow Margin. While Nepal give up against India U-23 but gave tough Fight against Afghanistan . As usual yours favorite sports portal from Nepal www.anantasports.com will bring the Live score update of Nepal Vs Pakistan U-23 to its readers in association with cricinfo.
Nepal Vs Pakistan Live Score Update


Click Here to get the Score Card of Nepal Vs India U-23

Match Details:
ACC Emerging Teams Cup 2013
Group A
Nepal Vs Pakistan U-23
Date: 21st August 2013
Time: 7:15 NST, 9:30 Local Time, 01:30 GMT
Venue: Singapore