The Nepal team will play away against Malaysia on March 25. This is a match in the first round of the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers. Before meeting Malaysia (ranked 132nd in the world), Nepal (ranked 175th in the world) had a 1-0 victory over Singapore in a friendly match away from home.
That shows that the Nepal team is a team that cannot be underestimated. They can completely continue to shock the Malaysian team. The New Straits Times (Malaysia) expressed concern about the home team, because the Malaysian team is in the process of renewing its squad and playing style under the new coach.
Nepal coach Matt Ross (Australia) is aiming to defeat Malaysia right at Sultan Ibrahim Stadium.
He said before flying to Malaysia with the team: I am very excited to see what the Nepal team can do. I know we have a squad that can do special things.
In the previous 7 meetings, the Nepal team has never won against Malaysia. However, with what they have shown against Singapore, the South Asian team can completely create a surprise.
Ross stressed that his side will have a strong performance, rather than taking the initiative to play defensive back. He said: The Nepal team will not wait for Malaysia to break the game. We will take the initiative to attack, try to keep the ball longer and show the danger at the right time. Everyone will see that we will maintain the game and try our best to control the ball.
The Nepal team is strengthened by 5 players playing abroad: Goalkeeper Kiran Chemjong ( punjabjab football club), Rohit Chand ( Persik Kediri), Arik Bista (Shillong Lajong) and Manish Dangi (Rayong).
"We know Malaysia is rated higher, but that does not mean we accept pressure. The match can go in different directions and I believe that the Nepal team can do something, added Matt Ross.
Meanwhile, football critic Sadek Mustaffa warned Harimau Malaya (M Malaysia's nickname) not to underestimate Nepal, especially after their impressive performance against Singapore.
"Every country is developing and looking to strengthen its squad. Nepal has shown Singapore that they have a clear idea of how they want to play. The match against Nepal will not be easy for Malaysia, as the team has many new players and the coaching staff is still in the process of building the playing style, Sadek said.
In Group F with Nepal and Malaysia, Vietnam and Laos are together. The teams will compete in the qualifying round in the first and second leg format. The top team will qualify for the 2027 Asian Cup.
