Nepal's Setback: Defeated by Yemen in FIFA World Cup Qualifiers

In an electrifying kickoff to the second round selection tournament for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup 2027, Nepal found themselves on the wrong side of the scoreline in their first two group stage clashes. Placed in the challenging Group H, Nepal's home turf, Dasharath Rangshala, bore witness to a hard-fought battle on Tuesday that ended in a 2-0 defeat against Yemen.

Despite a promising goalless first half, Nepal couldn't sustain their defense, ultimately conceding crucial goals in the 72nd and 90th minutes to Mohammad Al-Dahi. The devoted fans at Dasharath Rangshala provided unwavering support, but the visiting Yemen team secured a vital victory.

Looking ahead, Nepal is gearing up for their next challenge against Bahrain on March 21, 2024. The qualifying journey unfolds with UAE, Yemen, and Bahrain joining Nepal in Group H, setting the stage for a total of six matches to be played on home and away grounds.

The recent setback follows Nepal's initial group stage match against UAE, where they faced a formidable 4-0 defeat just last week. As the tournament progresses, the resilience of the Nepalese squad will be under scrutiny, as they strive to bounce back and secure their spot in these prestigious global competitions.