KATHMANDU: Nepal's hope of qualifying to the next round of AFC Asian Cup 2019 hinge on thread as they slumped to 2-1 home defeat against Tajikistan, on Tuesday.

The host failed to build on June's goalless draw at home to Yemen and suffered a jaw breaking defeat to physically superior side of Tajikistan, in a crucial encounter today.

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The visiting team Tajikistan broke the deadlock on 25th minute, after a corner kick was smartly headed home by Dzhalilov Manuchehr, giving no chance to the defender and the goalkeeper.

Kiran Chemjong failed to gather a pile driver and gifted Vasiev Dilshod a simple tap-in to double their lead in the half-hour mark. Chemjong made a howler, failing to save an angled shot across the face of the goal from Jahongir Aliev.