By A Staff Reporter, Kathmandu, Mar. 27: Nepal set their sight on win against their well-known regional rival Bangladesh in the do-or-die clash of the Three Nations Cup 2021 at Dashrath Stadium, Kathmandu on Saturday.

The win or a draw against Bangladesh could send Nepal to the final. However, Nepal could qualify even after losing to Bangladesh. Nepal should lose by 1-0 and should avoid earning cards. Kyrgyzstan has already received three yellow cards during their match against Nepal. Kyrgyz captain receiving a marching order after penalised with double yellow cards also put the host into the advantage.
Unlike them, Nepal did not see a single yellow.

Bangladesh has already cruised into the final after beating Kyrgyzstan Olympic team by 1-0 in the inaugural match. Both Nepal and Kyrgyzstan played a goalless draw on Thursday.

Nepal's acting head coach Bal Gopal Maharjan, however, plans to earn three points from Bangladesh. "We look to earn at least a win or a draw."
Nepal, however, have to see their toothless strikers overcome scoring jinx.

"We will improve our attacking zone against Bangladesh on Saturday. We will focus on our finishing line which was not a success against Kyrgyzstan. I have pointed out the weaknesses to my players and counselled them," Coach Maharjan added.

He, however, did not want to take opponent Bangladesh lightly and hinted at changing the strategy. "Bangladesh is a strong side with a balanced team. I expect the match to be a fifty-fifty affair. We will play a total football against them,” he said.

As the battle between host Nepal and Bangladesh is recognized as an international match by FIFA, the result could make an impact on the rankings. FIFA has ranked Nepal into 171st position and Bangladesh at the 186th position. Nepal have so far played 21 matches against the visitors. Bangladesh have won 13 matches and settled two matches for a draw. Nepal have won just six matches.