Nepal’s National Football Team suffered a 5-1 defeat to Malaysia in a friendly match played ahead of their upcoming World Cup and Asian Cup qualifiers against Bahrain.
The preparatory match, held in Malaysia, saw a unique format with four 35-minute halves totaling 140 minutes according to the Football Association of Malaysia.
Malaysia dominated the scoring with Darren Locke netting twice in the first half (31st & 35th minute). The dominance continued after the break with Stuart Wilkin (46th minute) and Daniel Ting (48th minute) adding to the lead. Mukhairi Ajmal Mahdi sealed the win for Malaysia with a goal in the 135th minute.
Nepal’s lone bright spot came from debutant Samir Tamang who scored Nepal’s only goal. Tamang’s inclusion in the senior team offers promise for the future.
Nepal, placed in Group B of the World Cup qualifiers’ second round, will face Bahrain in a home-and-away series. The matches are scheduled for March 21st and 26th in Bahrain.
