Pokhara, March 26:

Nepal is looking for a clean sweep of the two-match friendly football series against visiting Pakistan here at the Pokhara Stadium on Thursday.

Nepal rallied for a 2-1 win over the visitor on Tuesday but the hosts are hoping for a more convincing win in their last match here.

Nepali coach Bhim Thapa said that the enthusiasm of the young players will again help bring positive results.

“We will win again as our players are better with their skills and also have the home advantage,” said Thapa.

Pakistani coach Akhtar believes that his team would make a strong come back on Thursday. “We lost on Tuesday because were exhausted after a long journey,” Akhtar said. Akhtar said midfield as the strong point of the hosts. “I observed that they (Nepal) have fitness problem and we will try to capitalize on it.” The two-match friendly series is part of the teams’ preparation for the upcoming AFC Challenge Cup.

Meanwhile, vice-captain of the Nepali national team Rajesh Shahi is set to retire from international football after match. Midfielder Shahi, 29, had been part of the Nepali team since 1998.

Nabil Three Star skipper Shahi is set to announce his retirement after the second match against Pakistan.

“I feel it’s time for me to quit,” said Shahi. He, however, said that he would continue playing at the domestic level.