Preparing for a Crucial Challenge
Kathmandu, Oct. 9 — Nepal’s national football team is currently in Vietnam, preparing to face the host nation in two crucial matches as part of the 2027 AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers. These fixtures are part of Group F, where both teams aim to secure their place in the next stage of the competition.
In a pre-match conference held on Wednesday, head coach Matt Ross and captain Kiran Chemjong emphasized the importance of not repeating past mistakes. The team is determined to avoid another loss after their 2-1 defeat against Laos on June 10, which marked their first-ever loss to that team in seven encounters.
“The performance against Laos was very disappointing,” Ross said. “We are looking to improve on it.”
Ross also highlighted the excitement within the squad about being in Vietnam. “And we will be playing for the three points, if not, at least for one point,” he added. The coach stressed that these matches are vital for the team’s growth and development. “The next two games are the perfect opportunity for the team to prove itself, and we have every chance to qualify if we can present a good result in the two games.”
Current Standing and Challenges
Nepal currently sits at the bottom of the group table, which includes Malaysia and Laos. They have faced tough challenges so far, suffering consecutive losses: a 2-0 defeat against Malaysia on March 25 and a 2-3 loss to Laos on June 10. However, there is still hope, as Malaysia might face point deductions due to a FIFA fine for fielding seven ineligible players during their match against Vietnam on June 10.
Each team will play six games in the group stage, facing each other twice in a home and away format. Nepal has already played against Malaysia and Laos in away fixtures and is set to host both teams at home on November 18 and March 31 next year, respectively.
Venue Issues and Disadvantages
Despite the schedule, there are several challenges for the Nepali team. Dasharath Stadium, the only venue in Nepal eligible to host FIFA and AFC matches, has been suspended from hosting due to not meeting the required standards. As a result, Nepal is likely to travel back to the grounds of Malaysia and Laos for their upcoming matches.
Nepal will also face Vietnam at the same venue in their home fixture on October 14. This situation has raised concerns among the coaching staff and players, who believe that not being able to play at home is a significant disadvantage.
Determination and Confidence
Captain Kiran Chemjong expressed confidence in the team’s ability to return home with positive results against Vietnam. “The entire team has been preparing for this opportunity,” he said in the conference. “I know the Vietnamese attackers are very good, but we will give our best to get the best out of the game.”
Chemjong’s comments reflect the team’s determination to perform well despite the challenges they face. The players are aware of the high level of competition in the group and are ready to fight for every point.
Looking Ahead
With the next matches coming up, the focus remains on improving their performance and securing the necessary results to stay in the race for qualification. The team’s morale is high, and they are eager to show their capabilities on the international stage.
As the tournament progresses, the pressure will increase, but the Nepali squad is determined to make the most of their opportunities. With the right mindset and preparation, they hope to turn their fortunes around and secure a spot in the next stage of the 2027 AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers.
