KATHMANDU: Nepal will play against the Philippines in the first match of the AFC Asian Cup 2019 Qualifiers at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium in Manila on Tuesday.

Speaking at the pre-match press conference in Manila on the eve of the match, Nepali team skipper Biraj Maharjan said the players’ morale had gone high after the recent achievements of the national team and that they were eager to stun the Philippines on their home soil.

Nepal are 1-3 behind in head-to-head against the hosts with the lone victory dating back to 1982 in the Kings Cup. Nepal have lost the last three encounters, all international friendlies from 2011 to 2014.

However, skipper Maharjan said past results would not make any difference. “We will not look at the past results and give the opponents a tough fight,” said Maharjan.”