Kathmandu, June 13: After defeating Laos in the First Round and progressing to the Second Round of the FIFA World Cup Asian Qualifiers, Nepal’s men’s football team showed great promise. However, the Second Round did not favour the young team.

The 36 teams in the Second Round were divided into nine groups of four teams each. Nepal was in Group H with the UAE, Bahrain and Yemen. The group stage was played in a double round-robin format with home-away fixtures; thus, one team played six matches in the group.

In the first match of the Second Round, Nepal faced the UAE in the latter’s home on November 16, 2023, and conceded four goals. Nepal then conceded two goals against Yemen at home on November 21, 2023.

The biggest defeat came in March 2024, when Nepal visited Bahrain for both home and away fixtures. At the home game, on March 22, Nepal conceded five goals and three more in the away match on March 27 against Bahrain.

Similarly, Nepal conceded four more goals against the UAE in the duo’s second leg on June 6. After the second loss against the UAE, Nepal had a last chance to end goal and point drought in the tournament against Yemen on June 11; the team capitalised on the chance as the second leg against Yemen ended in a 2-2 draw. 

Nepal and Yemen shared one point each; it was the first point of the round for Nepal. Moreover, the team did not only break the deadlock of the Second Round but of more than three decades.

“In the past 35 years, Nepal’s national senior team hasn’t managed to earn a single point in an official FIFA or AFC qualification away game against an Arab country while scoring two goals. But this has now changed,” posted Vincenzo Alberto Annese, Nepal’s football head coach, on his Facebook.

“This accomplishment is a testament to the incredible passion and hard work of each player and staff member. Nepal has a bright future if only we continue to believe in the process. I love you all. Yesterday, we made history once again!” added Vincenzo.

Kiran’s 100th match

Nepal’s goalie Kiran Kumar Limbu appeared as the wall of the Nepali men’s football team for the 100th time when facing Yemen on Tuesday.

ANFA General Secretary Kiran Rai presented a special memento to goalkeeper and captain Kiran Kumar Limbu in honour of his 100th match for the national team. Similarly, Head coach Vincenzo handed the captain’s armband to Limbu on the occasion. Kiran made some great saves in the match against Yemen to make the occasion memorable. 

Unfavourable draw

Nepal was leading 2-1 until the official 90 minutes of the match ended. When the team was near to celebrating a historic win, Yemen equalised in the first minute of the six minutes of added time. 

A foul by Manish Dangi inside the box awarded Yemen a penalty in the 9th minute. Al-Gahwashi capitalised on the chance and gave the team the first lead.

However, Nepal scored the first goal of the Second Round in the 22nd minute and tied the score 1-1. Sanjeeb Bista scored the first goal for the team. The first half ended with both teams scoring one goal each.

Nepal was more confident in the second half. As a result, Nepal scored the second goal and led against Yemen in the 66th minute. A cross by Chhiring Lama from the left flank reached the 12-yard box and found the head of Sanjeeb. However, Sanjeeb’s header, which was not going towards the frame, found the head of Gillespye Jung Karki and then the ball kissed the back of the net. 

However, while Nepal was trying to defend the lead; Yemen found a chance in 90+1 minutes. Dahi scored the second goal for Yemen.

“Our next goal: the Asian Cup qualifiers!,” posted Vincenzo.