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- The Nepalese national men’s football team will play its final AFC Asian Cup qualifying match today against Laos at the New Laos National Stadium in Vientiane, Vietnam.
- This is Nepal’s first match following the suspension of the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) by the National Sports Council, with potential for FIFA to impose its own suspension.
- New Italian head coach Guglielmo Arena will make his debut, with five players earning their first call-ups to the national team.
March 30, Kathmandu – Amid ongoing uncertainty in Nepalese football, the national men’s football team will compete against Laos today in the final round of the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers.
Recently, controversies off the field have overshadowed the game, limiting attention to on-field performance. Despite these issues, the team has traveled to Laos after ANFA announced the final squad.
This match marks Nepal’s first game since the National Sports Council suspended ANFA.
The suspension has deepened the uncertainty within Nepalese football, and the future remains unclear.
There is growing concern about a potential FIFA suspension of Nepal as well.
Following disputes related to the initial March 26 elections, the National Sports Council suspended ANFA on March 24, citing third-party interference. ANFA disputes this claim. FIFA has issued warnings about possible suspension but has yet to make a final decision, which may come after the Laos match.
Originally, Nepal was supposed to host this qualifier against Laos, but with the Dashrath Rangasala stadium deemed unfit for matches over the past two years, Nepal had to forfeit home advantage.
Despite these challenges, the team aims to deliver a strong performance and provide players with a valuable opportunity.
Given the current challenging circumstances, Nepal’s players have the chance to perform well and secure a victory over Laos.
The squad features new Italian coach Guglielmo Arena making his debut and includes five debutants. Notably, leading scorer Anjan Bista is absent, giving these newcomers a chance to shine.
Coach Arena will oversee his first match as head coach in today’s encounter.
Goalkeeper Yogesh Dhimal, midfielders Pemba Dorje Sherpa and Roman Bhujel, along with forwards Milan Rai and Yubaraj Khadka, have been selected to the national team for the first time.
In the previous qualifier, Nepal lost 2-1 to Laos, marking their first ever defeat to Laos. Today’s match offers Nepal a chance for redemption.
Historically, Nepal and Laos have faced each other six times, with Nepal winning four matches, drawing one, and losing one.
In Group F, both teams have three points each from five matches, with Vietnam leading at the top with 15 points, having already secured qualification to the Asian Cup.
Nepal did not manage a win in the five matches of the third round but was later awarded three points by the AFC after Malaysia fielded an ineligible player, overturning the original result.
The match between Nepal and Laos will kick off at 5:45 PM Nepal time today at the New Laos National Stadium located in Vientiane.
Photo: Laos Football Federation
