Nepal return to home turf with B'desh friendly

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Sept. 6: Nepal’s only international football venue, Dasarath Rangasala, is set to stage international football for the first time in nearly two years on Saturday, 6 September. The Nepali national team will host Bangladesh in the first of two FIFA Tier-1 international friendlies scheduled under the FIFA International Window. The second match will be played on 9 September.Nepal’s only international f ootball venue, Dasarath Rangasala, is set to stage international football for the first time in nearly two years on Saturday, 6 September. The Nepali national team will host Bangladesh in the first of two FIFA Tier-1 international friendlies scheduled under the FIFA International Window. The second match will be played on 9 September.

The stadium had been deemed unfit for international fixtures for over two years, repeatedly failing fitness inspections conducted by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC). In the latest assessment, the venue once again failed to meet AFC standards. As a result, Nepal’s upcoming home legs in the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers and AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers 2027—against Malaysia and Vietnam—will be held at a neutral venue.

Despite the setback, the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) is pressing ahead with the friendlies, viewing them as vital warm-up matches ahead of the qualifiers scheduled for 14 October and 18 November.

Nepal head coach Matt Ross expressed confidence in his squad during Friday’s pre-match press conference in Kathmandu. “Bangladesh are a strong side, and we expect an entertaining contest,” said Ross. “We’ve prepared well. The boys are eager to perform in front of home fans and are aiming for a win.”

Ross added, “This friendly is also a test for us. I always strive for a positive result. Our only goal is to win tomorrow.”

Captain Kiran Chemjong echoed his coach’s sentiments. Although he missed most of the team’s preparation period, he said he’s ready to lead the side. “I’m excited to play at home in front of our supporters,” said Chemjong.

Nepal last hosted Bangladesh three years ago at Dasarath Stadium, where forward Anjan Bista netted a hat-trick in a 3-1 victory over their South Asian rivals.

Bangladesh head coach Javier Cabrera said his team had solid preparation before travelling to Nepal. “We played a few practice matches before arriving. Both teams are evenly matched, and this will be a good test ahead of the World Cup and Asian Cup qualifiers,” Cabrera noted. “Nepal have improved a lot. We watched their match against Singapore, and they played very well. We’ve brought a strong squad and expect a tough contest.”

Captain Jamal Bhuyan added, “We’re here to win, but also to put in a good performance. We hope to give our best.”

ANFA has confirmed that the winner of the friendly series will be awarded. If the two matches end without a clear result, a penalty shootout will decide the winner.