A New Chapter in Nepali Football
Kathmandu, March 31 – The stage is set for a crucial encounter between Nepal and Laos as they face off in the second leg of the 2027 AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers. This match marks a pivotal moment for both teams, especially for Nepal, which has faced several challenges in recent times.
Last year, on June 10, Laos managed to pull off an upset against Nepal during the first leg of the qualifiers. Despite being underdogs, the Lao team secured a 2-1 victory, breaking Nepal’s six-game unbeaten streak against them. Since their initial friendly meeting on May 29, 2016, which ended in a 1-1 draw, Nepal had maintained dominance over Laos with four wins and one draw. However, this recent defeat has left the Gorkhalis looking for redemption.
Now, the two teams are set to meet again at the New Laos National Stadium in Vientiane. For Nepal, this match is not just about securing a win but also about addressing deeper issues within their footballing structure. From irregular domestic leagues to a suspended footballing body and an international stadium, the state of Nepali football has been under scrutiny. A victory over Laos could serve as a turning point, drawing attention to these pressing concerns.
Coaches Bring Fresh Perspectives
The match will also mark the debut of two new head coaches for both teams. Guglielmo Arena, an Italian-Swiss national, took charge of Nepal on March 12, while Vladica Grujic, a Serbian, was appointed as Laos’ head coach on February 20. Both are UEFA Pro licensed coaches, bringing a wealth of experience to their respective roles.
In their pre-match conference, both coaches emphasized their commitment to winning. Arena, who previously coached Laos, shared his thoughts on the match. “We are already out of the qualification for the AFC Asian Cup,” he stated. “It will be very interesting to try something against them.” While he couldn’t test his ideas against Hong Kong due to a canceled friendly, fans will finally get to witness his style of play against Laos.
Arena’s approach is different from previous strategies. He has been actively scouting players in the National League, identifying potential talent. His focus is on developing a more dynamic and creative team, which he believes can make the Nepali fans proud.
A Squad of New Talent
The All Nepal Football Association (ANFA), currently under suspension from the National Sports Council (NSC), has sent the Nepali team to Laos in secrecy. Despite the ongoing tensions between ANFA and NSC, the squad for the match against Laos includes five players making their national debut: Yogesh Dhimal, Roman Bhujel, Pemba Dorje Lama, Milan Rai, and Yubaraj Khadka.
These young talents have shown promise in the ongoing National League, with some already making significant contributions. Dhimal, for instance, has been securing the goal line for Planning Boyz United, while others have been scoring goals for their respective clubs. Arena expressed confidence in these new players, stating that they could be effective in the match against Laos.
Nepal’s captain, Kiran Chemjong, also voiced his support for the new talents. “Our boys, with new players, have prepared mentally and physically,” he said before the match. “When we faced Laos previously, it was not a good result. We are positive for the next match.”
Home Advantage and Challenges
Nepal has historically benefited from home advantage, as seen in their 2014 FIFA World Cup Qualification when they drew 1-1 against Jordan after a 0-9 loss in Amman. However, since February 2024, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has suspended Dasharath Stadium, Nepal’s only international-standard stadium, from hosting matches. This has forced Nepal to play their home fixtures on foreign soil, leading to several losses.
Chemjong acknowledged the difficulties of playing away from home. “It is not great to play the home fixtures on foreign soil,” he remarked. With no suitable stadium available, Nepal has had to travel to countries like Vietnam and Malaysia for matches, often facing tough opposition.
Laos, on the other hand, is eager to capitalize on their home advantage. The Lao Football Federation has been actively promoting the match, encouraging fans to attend the 25,000-capacity National Stadium in Vientiane. Grujic, the Laos head coach, acknowledged the challenge but remained confident. “Nepal are ranked a bit higher than us,” he said. “But we are ready to win.”
Final Thoughts
The match between Nepal and Laos is more than just a game; it represents a critical juncture for both teams. For Nepal, it’s an opportunity to address internal issues and prove their resilience. For Laos, it’s a chance to solidify their position and continue their upward trajectory. As the teams prepare for the clash, fans around the world will be watching closely, hoping for an exciting and competitive match. The game kicks off at 5:45pm Nepali time and can be watched on FIFA+.
