Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Kuching: Positive visualisation and strong focus on the task at hand were key to goalkeeper Kiran Kumar Limbu’s success in helping Nepal beat Laos during a tense penalty shootout in their AFC Solidarity Cup Malaysia 2016 semi-final tie on Saturday.
Nepal were leading Laos 2-1 during the second extra-time period and as the clock ticked towards the end for the Nepalis, Laos equalised through Xaisongkham Champathong on the 117th minute mark.
A throw from the right found Champathong who headed home despite being marked by three Nepali players with Limbu rooted to the spot, sending the game into a penalty shootout.
However, Limbu later made amends and turned hero for Nepal as he made two crucial saves with Gurung Heman, Bikram Lama and Sujal Shreshtha all converting from 12 yards for the Nepalese to book their ticket to the final.
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“The second goal of Nepal went in maybe through my mistakes but I didn’t feel upset and frustrated too long. A mistake is a mistake but I have to bounce back and focus on the task at hand. We have 90 minutes in a game and anything can happen, so we need to focus on what we can do at the moment rather than brooding about our past mistakes.
“I just continue working and put the mistake in the back of my mind. Finally, I made amends during the penalty shootout. If I were to be occupied by my mistakes during the penalty, maybe I wouldn’t have been able to make those two crucial saves. So, the moment at hand is important to pay attention to.
“Before the game, I did visualise a penalty situation and myself making saves. It’s important to have positive visualisation before the game so that we feel confident and do not succumb to the pressure of the moment.
“Now we have our final match against Macau. We will work harder still and prepare for the important game.”
Photo: AFC