Nepal aim to end Asian Cup qualifier with win

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Mar. 31: Nepal will look to end their AFC Asian Cup qualifying campaign on a high with a consolation victory when they face Laos in their final Group F match in Vientiane on 31 March.

At the pre‑match press conference, national team coach Guglielmo Arena said his side will take to the field with the clear aim of defeating Laos.

“We have come to Laos with a balance of young and experienced players. My goal is to observe the young players, which is why I have given five of them their first chance in the national team. Laos are a good side, but we are ready for tomorrow’s match and will play with the target of winning,” Arena said.

The Italian coach has handed debuts to Yubraj Khadka, Pemba Dorje Lama, Roman Bhujel, Milan Rai and Yogesh Dhimal.

Arena will also be having his first test with Nepali football team, following a cancellation of Hong Kong friendly match. 

Captain Kiran Chemjong echoed the coach’s sentiment, stressing that victory remains the team’s main objective.

“Once we step onto the pitch, winning will be the primary goal. We have prepared well and will perform according to the coach’s strategy,” Chemjong said.

The match kicks off at 5:45 pm Nepal time. Both Nepal and Laos are already out of contention for the Asian Cup, having collected three points each from five matches.

The two sides have met six times previously, with Nepal winning four, Laos one, and one match ending in a draw. In their most recent encounter during last year’s qualifiers, Nepal suffered a 2–1 defeat.