Laos stun Nepal in Qualifiers second match

Nepal faced a 2-1 defeat against hosts Laos in their second group-stage match of the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers on Tuesday.

The match, played at the National Stadium in Vientiane, saw the home side take an early lead in the 13th minute. Thongkhamsavath headed home from a corner to give Laos a 1-0 advantage. Nepal struggled to find rhythm in the first half and failed to create clear scoring opportunities, allowing Laos to maintain their lead going into the break.

Just four minutes into the second half, Nepal were dealt another blow when Peter Phanthavong doubled Laos’ lead with a well-taken goal, putting the hosts firmly in control at 2-0.

Nepal pulled one back in the 71st minute after Manish Dangi was fouled inside the box, earning a penalty. Dangi stepped up and calmly converted the spot kick to reduce the deficit to 2-1. Despite pressing for an equalizer in the remaining minutes, Nepal were unable to break down Laos’ defense and had to settle for their second straight loss in the tournament.

Nepal had lost their first Qualifiers match against Malaysia by 2-0.

Ahead of the qualifiers, Nepal had played a goalless draw against Hong Kong in an international friendly in Hong Kong.

Photo credit: Lao Football Federation