By a Staff Reporter
Kathmandu – A young squad of Nepal conceded two second-half goals as heavyweight Jordan inflicted a 2-0 defeat to their opponents in their AFC Asian Cup 2023 qualifier match on Wednesday. Although the Nepali football team which did not feature 11 senior players held on for a draw in the first half, they conceded goals in the second half to suffer their first defeat in Group A of the qualifiers.
Goalkeeper Deep Karki and defender Bikash Tamang had made their debut in the match held at Jaber Al Ahmad International Stadium in Kuwait. The new line-up of Nepal was under constant pressure from the experienced Jordan side during the entire match. Deep Karki had saved a penalty in the first half but Jordan made the breakthrough in the second half and then extended the lead for an easy win.
Jordan were awarded the penalty after Gautam Shrestha felled Mohammad Fasial of Jordan in the box. However, debutant Karki saved a penalty taken by Musa Mohammad Suleman.
However, Jordan took the lead in the 69th minute with a perfect finishing from Ali Alwan after defeating Nepal’s defense lineup.
Jordan extended their lead in the 82nd minute after being awarded a penalty following a foul committed by Suman Aryal within the penalty box. Hamza Al Dardar scored from the spot kick, sending goalkeeper Karki to the opposite direction.
In another Group A match, Indonesia defeated Kuwait 2-1. Following the result, Nepal lie on the rock bottom of the Group table. Leaders of each group will qualify for the Asian Cup. Likewise, the five best runners-up will also get a chance to feature in the championship to be held in China in 2023.
