The intense football rivalry between India and Nepal has spanned several decades, featuring numerous encounters in friendly matches and competitive tournaments. As both nations gear up for their upcoming clash in the SAFF Championship 2023 on 24th June, it's a perfect time to delve into the history of their head-to-head battles and analyze the dynamics of this intriguing rivalry. In this blog post, we will explore the long-standing football rivalry between India and Nepal, highlighting their past encounters, overall head-to-head record, and recent matches, shedding light on the proximity, burstiness, and dominance exhibited by both teams.
India and Nepal have a rich history of football encounters dating back to their first official meeting on December 20, 1985, during the South Asian Federation Games in Dhaka, Bangladesh. This inaugural clash ended in a draw, setting the stage for a captivating rivalry that has only grown in intensity over the years.
Since their initial meeting, India has enjoyed significant success in the SAFF Championship, clinching eight titles, while Nepal has yet to secure a championship victory. In the last ten matches played between the two nations, India emerged victorious in seven encounters, two matches ended in draws, and Nepal won once. This head-to-head record showcases India's dominance in the tournament, with the defending champions consistently asserting their superiority.
| Match | Result | Date |
|---|---|---|
| India vs Nepal | 2-0 (International Friendly) | 06 Jun 2017 |
| Nepal vs India | 1-1 (International Friendly) | 02 Sep 2021 |
| Nepal vs India | 1-2 (International Friendly) | 05 Sep 2021 |
| Nepal vs India | 0-1 (SAFF Championship) | 10 Oct 2021 |
| India vs Nepal | 3-0 (SAFF Championship) | 16 Oct 2021 |
| Games Played | India Wins | Draws | Nepal Wins |
|---|---|---|---|
| 23 | 16 | 5 | 2 |
Note: All information provided is based on the available data up until September 2021.
The football rivalry between India and Nepal has witnessed numerous battles, with India consistently maintaining their upper hand. While the head-to-head record showcases India's dominance, it is important to acknowledge the glimpses of brilliance displayed by Nepal, challenging their Indian counterparts on various occasions. As the two teams prepare for their upcoming clash in the SAFF Championship 2023, fans can expect another thrilling encounter that will add another chapter to this enthralling rivalry.
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