Top five India-Nepal matches in SAFF Championship

The two rivals have been part of several memorable clashes in the regional competition over decades.

As the first round of fixtures of SAFF Championship 2023 come to an end, we're met with some more exciting fixtures, carrying more significance for further progression into the tournament.

India have got off to a flying start with a 4-0 thumping of Pakistan, whereas Nepal must win their second match to keep their semi-finals hope alive after a 3-1 opening day defeat to Kuwait.

With or without these contexts, however, the India-Nepal clash would have been equally vital, considering the rivalry that these sides have fostered over the years.

With Nepal's coach Vincenzo Alberto Annese terming this clash 'equal to a final' for Nepal and Indian assistant coach admitting the tie will be difficult for India, one thing is for sure – we're up for a fight. On that note, here are some noteworthy fixtures contested in SAFF Championship between the two nations over the years.

5. India 1-0 Nepal – SAFF Championship 2009

In one of the most closely contested ties between the two rivals, India's U-23 squad displayed resilience to secure a 1-0 win against Nepal's senior side in Dhaka.

On a rainy night at the Bangabandhu Stadium, Joaquim Abranches' powerful freekick was too good for the Nepali keeper to deal with, resulting in a mix-up and ultimately resulting in the goal.

The 18th-minute strike was enough for the Blues, thanks to Arindam's scintillating performance between the sticks to deny multiple Nepali attacks throughout the game. India qualified for the semis thanks to this win, leaving Nepal out of the knockouts.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kA2AieG5gBo

4. Nepal 2-1 India – SAFF Championship 2013

Nepal’s win against India in the 2013 edition of the SAFF Championship was historic. This was Nepal’s first win over their neighbors in nearly 20 years, in front of a packed Dasharath Stadium.

Attacking duo Anil Gurung and Jumanu Rai scored for the Gorkhalis before Syed Rahim Nabi got a late consolation goal for India.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lL9TmsinuFI

The Blue Tigers finished Group A behind Nepal, managing to qualify over Pakistan, despite having equal points on the table.

On the other hand, the Gorkhalis finished the group unbeaten, on the back of wins against Bangladesh and India. This remains Nepal’s only senior team win against India in an official tournament, since the turn of the century.

3. India 4-1 Nepal – SAFF Championship 2015

Nepal’s miserable SAFF Championship campaign in 2015 ended with a 4-1 loss against hosts India. Despite scoring early with a moment of magic from 18-year-old Bimal Gharti Magar, the side met trouble when Rowllin Borges and Sunil Chhetri scored, turning the match India's way.

Later, coming off the bench, 18-year-old Lallianzuala Chhangte scored two brilliant long-range goals within 10 minutes to end the match at 4-1. Announcing his arrival to the world, the Mumbai City FC winger was awarded the Man of the Match in India’s winning cause.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lblEHdkC3Lw

2. Nepal 0-1 India – SAFF Championship 2021

In a prelude to the final of the 2021 edition, India defeated Nepal to pick up their form following two disappointing opening draws against Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.

Skipper Sunil Chhetri was on the scoresheet late in the second half, leaving the Nepali defence in shambles to guide the ball past Kiran Kumar Limbu.

The tie was also memorable for the tussle between the coaches, with Igor Stimac and Abdullah Almutairi bringing the heat on the touchline and the presser.

India followed the win with a commanding win against hosts Maldives to ultimately qualify for the finals.

1. India 3-0 Nepal – SAFF Championship 2021

Nepal's dreams of winning the SAFF Championship in their first final appearance was shattered by two quick second-half goals in Male, as India clinched their seventh title to maintain regional dominance.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J21zufwXj7U

Sunil Chhetri was once again the key to unlocking Nepal's rather pragmatic defensive tactics in the 49th minute, followed by a goal from Suresh Singh Wangjam a minute afterward. Sahal Abdul Samad's third in injury time confirmed India's comeback in the tournament.