Bahrain secure commanding victory over Nepal in World Cup Qualifiers First Leg

Nepal succumbed to a 5-0 defeat against Bahrain in the first leg of the World Cup Qualifiers second round on Thursday.

Bahrain were dominant throughout the match with Nepal failing to make any significant inroads into the match. The margin of defeat could have been more significant if not for the exceptional saves by skipper and goalkeeper Kiran Chemjong.

Bahrain took an early lead with Mahdi Humaidan finding the net in just the second minute. Sayed Baqer doubled the advantage in the ninth minute, followed by Ali Madan extending the lead to 3-0 just before halftime. Ebrahim Alkhatal added another goal with a well-placed header, and Bahrain secured their fifth goal from a penalty kick through Ismaeel Abdulatif Hasan.

Abhishek Limbu, Saubhagya Rai, Samir Tamang, and Sanjeeb Bista, made their debuts for the senior side.

Nepal will play in the second leg scheduled for March 26.