KATHMANDU, Nov 16: Triumphant Nepali national football team arrived home late Wednesday to a heroes’ welcome after winning the title of the AFC Solidarity Cup in Malaysia. All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) organized a victory rally in honor of the team. The team passed through major areas of the capital late night.
The team that landed at the Tribhuvan International Airport at 20:45 NST was received by Minister for Youth and Sports Daljit Sripali, National Sports Council (NSC) Member Secretary Keshav Kumar Bista and top officials of ANFA.
Braving the chilling cold, hundreds of enthusiastic football fans had also gathered at the airport to welcome their heroes. Similarly, the footballers of ANFA academy as well as the member of the women’s national team were also there to welcome the team.
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Besides offering garlands and bouquet, the team was welcomed amid fanfare and traditional music. The team was carried in two trucks of Nepal Army decorated with garlands and was taken around the city.
The victory rally that started from the airport premises went through Gaushala, Battisputali, Maitidevi, Putalisadak, Ghantaghar, Sahid Gate, New Road, Durbar Marg, Tripureswar, Thapathali, Kupandole, Pulchowk, Mangal Bazar, Gwarkho and ended the ANFA office in Satdobato, Lalitpur.
The football team had overcome Macau 1-0 in the final on Tuesday to lift the trophy. It was the first Asian-level title for Nepal and also the first official international title after 23 years.
Coach Raju Kaji Shakya holds trophy as he poses for photo alongside national players.
Coach Raju Kaji Shakya is surrounded by fans.
Head Coach Gyotoku Koji is greeted by fans.
