Lalitpur, October 6

Nepal national football team on Friday left for Tajikistan to play their away match of the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers slated for October 10 at the Hisor Central Stadium.

Nepal, who are in Group F along with the Philippines, Yemen and Tajikistan in the Qualifiers, had faced a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Tajikistan in home match on September 5. Nepal also lost 4-1 to the Philippines in their away match on March 28 before playing a goalless draw against Yemen in home match on June 13.

Currently, Nepal are at the bottom of the table with one point from three matches. The Philippines are at the top with seven points, while Yemen are second with five points, followed by Tajikistan (three).

National team skipper Biraj Maharjan said the team was travelling to Tajikistan with positive mentality. “We have to improve our game and we still have chances of qualifying if we can produce victories in remaining matches. So, we are hopeful that we can return as victors from Tajikistan,” said Maharjan. “Playing against home side will always be difficult, but we will try to earn full points from the match,” he added.

Meanwhile, National Sports Council Member Secretary Keshab Kumar Bista and All Nepal Football Association President Narendra Shrestha bade farewell to the team at a programme.