Nepal coach expecting a tough game against Chinese Taipei

KATHMANDU, June 2: Head coach of Nepali National Football Team, Abdullah Almutairi said that Nepal is expecting a tough match against Chinese Taipei as the two sides are all set to lock their horns in the second round match of the World Cup Qualifiers on Thursday.

Speaking at the virtual pre-match conference on Wednesday, the coach  said that the game is expected to be difficult for both sides. "It's not easy to play in Kuwait weather and it is going to be difficult for both of us," he added

Abdullah said that Nepal has plenty of positives to draw from the Iraq friendly despite the defeat. "We want to secure fourth position for our chances in the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers and for that we have to go for the win in the match tomorrow [Thursday]," he said. 

He again demanded patience from a relatively young national squad. "We have not played a lot of friendlies for sound preparation. We have a young but talented squad of players and we should not be pushing much on them," he said.

The coach was also wary of the opposition. "They have new players and the coach is taking charge of his first match."

Chinese Taipei coach Vom Ca-nhum also reiterated about the hot weather conditions in Kuwait. "We are having difficulties in adapting to the weather condition and our biggest challenge has been the weather."

Nepal is taking on Chinese Taipei at the Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium, Al-Ardiya, Kuwait at 9:45 pm NST. Although much has changed since their last meeting  on September 10, 2019, Nepal is eager for history to repeat itself when they meet Chinese Taipei on Thursday. Nepal had then thrashed Chinese Taipei 2-0 in a match held at Taipei Athletic Stadium. Both the goals were scored by Anjan Bista. He opened the scoring spree in the fifth minute on a free-kick by Sujal Shrestha. Bista again netted the ball in the 64th minute utilizing the cross by Sujal Shrestha.

The team will then face Jordan on June 7 before wrapping up with Australia on June 11.