KATHMANDU: Nepal played a 1-1 draw against Laos, in their international friendly football match at Vientiane of Laos on Sunday.

While Nepal's Bishal Rai's score in the 78th minute had given a lead to Nepal, the Himalayan nation could not protect it in the face of the hosts for more than one minute.

The hosts had scored the equaliser in the 79th minute.

Laos are at the 176th position in the FIFA world ranking, just four positions ahead of Nepal.

It was Nepal’s first match under the coaching of Japan’s Koji Gyotoku.

Anil Gurung had taken over the armband from Biraj Maharjan after missing out in couple of international tournaments this time. He, however, was not included in the Starting XI.

Also, goalkeeper Kiran Chemjong and striker Bharat Khawas had made a comeback to the national team.