Nepal take on Laos in final today

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Mar. 31: Nepal is all set to take on Laos in the final of the Prime Minister Three Nation’s Cup on Friday. Backed by home advantage, Nepal wants to bag another trophy by beating Laos at Dasarath Stadium, Kathmandu. 

Host Nepal cruised into the title clash remaining unbeaten. Nepal registered a 2-0 victory against Laos in the first match and settled for a 1-1 draw against Bhutan in the second outing.

Laos thrashed Bhutan by 2-1 to book the final place.

Nepal played a 1-1 draw with Laos in their maiden official encounter held at Vietnam on 16th May 2016 in an International Friendly. Nepal beat Laos for the first time during the semi-final of the AFC Solidarity Cup held in November 2016 in Kuching, Malaysia. Nepal defeated Laos by 3-0 in a penalty shootout then. 

Nepal’s Coach Vincenzo Alberto Annese expressed his confidence in winning the final battle against Laos. 

“Getting a result is essential. My boys are physically and mentally ready to take on the visitors. It’ll be a great game tomorrow. The final is final. So it matters. Everyone is prepared and I am proud of the team,” Coach Alberto said.

“The emerging striker Deepak Raj Singh Thakuri can have a chance to start in the title clash. He can be the face of the national team. I hope he shines for Nepal.” 

He also informed the availability of striker Anjan Bista in the final. “Defender Pujan Uperkoti will miss the game. I hope Uperkoti’s replacement will perform well. We have lots of new players,” Coach Alberto added. 

Nepal’s national men’s team captain Kiran Kumar Limbu said winning a title will be beneficial for newcomers. 

“Winning the title will be a good experience and morale booster for new faces. We are ready both mentally and physically. Winning the title of the Prime Minister’s Three Nations Cup is an important task for us.”

“Nepali football is facing a crucial time. Winning the title will be the best gift for the supporters in this critical time,” Captain Limbu added.

Addressing the pre-match conference, Laos National Men’s team head coach Michael Weiss said that they were ready for the title clash against Nepal backed by home fans.

“Though, it is an unofficial game. The final is still a final. It matters the most. We will show the game on the pitch rather than speaking here,” Coach Michael said.

“I am hopeful that my boys do well against Nepal and the final will be a mouth-watering clash.

Laos Captain Soukaphone Vongchiengkham said his boys would give their best against Nepal in Friday’s final.