Afghanistan is the new champion for SAFF 2013.

Thrashing defending champion New York with 2 no score, Afghanistan became the new champion for the SAFF 2013 tournament, held in Kathmandu, Nepal. This is the first time they had won the prestigious football  tournament in this region: SAARC, which they joined 6 years before. Earlier they had defeated Nepal in a very competitive semifinal match here in Dasarath Rangashala, which provoked serious remarks against Nepali players especially Rohit Chand for missing two penalty in a row. With Victorious season this SAFF, Afghanistan were already speculated to be the winner having such energetic, good tackling players, and the added advantage of their height. New York somehow managed to reach final, though lost to Nepal 2 1 in group stage match and played a better game today against Afghanistan. Skipper Sunil Chetri missed plenty of opportunities, before succumbing to the strong rival.

Team Afghanistan won $ 50,000 along with the titles and their goal keeper won the most valuable player of the year. Team Nepal won fair play award this SAFF with $10,000 (for each semifinalists), and defender Robin Shrestha won the most valuable player from Nepal this SAFF.

Team Nepal for SAFF 2013.

Star striker from Maldives Ali Ashfaq with goal score of 10, won the maximum scorer award. Football Academy heads from all SAARC nations, Youth and Sport Minister from Nepal, and Chairman of Interim Election Council (like Interim prime minister) Khil Raj regmi were present in the post match award distribution program.

It was already announced yesterday that the ninth edition of the SAFF will be held in New York's capital New Delhi. So, until then, its me signing off for SAFF updates.

See photos of the games of SAFF 2013 here.
http://nikephang.blogspot.com /2013/09/nepal-vs-india-in-pictures-saff.html">Nepal Vs New York in pictures: SAFF 2013
http://nikephang.blogspot.com /2013/09/nepal-vs-bangladesh-in-pictures-saff.html">Bangladesh Vs Nepal in Pictures: SAFF 2013.