Laos stuns Nepal at Asian Cup Qualifiers

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, June 11: Nepal suffered their first defeat against Laos in the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 Qualifiers final round on Tuesday.

Laos edged past Nepal 2-1, securing their maiden victory over them in the qualifiers at New Lao National Stadium, Vientiane.

Before this match, Nepal had dominated their head-to-head record, winning four and drawing two in six meetings with Laos.

The result saw Laos bag three crucial points, climbing to third in Group F. Nepal, after two straight losses, remains at the bottom of the table.

Earlier, Nepal was outplayed by Malaysia 2-0 and Laos was thrashed by Vietnam 5-0. Malaysia and Vietnam both sit on four points after one win and one draw each.

Damoth Thongkhamasavath and Peeter Phanthavong found the net once each for Laos. Nepal pulled one back through a penalty, converted by Manish Dangi.

The hosts struck first in the 13th minute, as midfielder Damoth slotted home. Nepal conceded again after the restart when Peeter, who came on at the restart, unleashed a 25-yard screamer in the 49th minute, leaving goalkeeper Kiran Chemjong no chance.

Nepal was handed a lifeline in the 73rd minute when the referee pointed to the spot after a Laos defender brought down Manish Dangi in the box. Dangi calmly converted the penalty to make it 2-1. However, the host hung on to take the points.

Before flying to Laos, Nepal played a friendly against Hong Kong, settling for a goalless draw.

Striker Anjan Bista missed another chance to become Nepal's all-time top scorer. He remains tied with Hari Khadka and Nirajan Rayamajhi at 13 goals.

Coach Matt Ross benched defender Sanish Shrestha, who had started against Hong Kong. After Shrestha picked up an injury, Ross replaced him with Yogesh Gurung.

The qualifiers serve as the final selection round for the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027.

Each team plays six matches in a home-and-away format. The six group winners will book their place in the 19th edition of the Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia.

Starting XI:

Kiran Chemjong (GK), Bimal Panday, Ananta Tamang, Suman Shrestha, Yogesh Gurung, Anjan Bista, Rohit Chand, Arik Bista, Ayush Ghalan, Manish Dangi, Laken Limbu