Nepal enjoyed 66.2% of ball possession against Maldives in first semifinal match of SAFF championship 2018. 


Nepal suffered 3-0 loss at the hands of Maldives. The winning team had just 33.8% of ball possession.



Despite enjoying lion share of ball possession, Nepal were unable to break Maldivian defense line.

Heat map shows 51.3% of possession was in midfield.

Maldives knew Nepal would play short passes. With heavy downpour in Dhaka, the poor playing field condition destroyed exact game plan of Nepal (quick passing game).

And Maldives stuck to their game plan. They let Nepal play with the ball. And adopted counter attacking strategy, which worked out for them.

Nepalese players definitely had chances to score goals. But their front liners squandered number of chances.

So big question is strong ball possession doesn’t help you to win the match. You need to score goals to win the match.

Nepal's dream of playing final and winning SAFF title is still a dream.