Nepal has clinched a historic win against Chinese Taipei at the FIFA World Cup 2022 and AFC Asian Cup 2023 second round qualifiers on Tuesday – our first win in the second round of the World Cup Qualifiers.
The two goals, both shot by Anjan Bista, our attacking midfielder, while leading Nepal to glory was also a personal feat for Bista too – his debut for the national team. Bista made his first national appearance in 2014 against Philippines in a friendly at Doha, Qatar as he substituted defender Sandeep Rai in the 61st minute.
Bista put Nepal ahead in the 4th minute through a header from a free kick by Sujal Shrestha. Nepal earned a free kick after Chinese Taipei player fouled Ravi Paswan near 25-yards. The in-form Bista sealed the match for the home in the 62nd minute, with a stunning goal from inside a box connecting the head pass of Sujal Shrestha.
This is also a first official victory of Coach Johan Kalin after taking charge of National football team. Rectifying their previous mistake with Kuwait, defense also stepped up their game. National goalkeeper Kiran Chemjong made two brilliant saves too, therefore denying Taipei any goals.
This is the second match for Nepal national team in the second round of FIFA World Cup 2022 and AFC Asian Cup 2023 qualifiers. With one loss (Kuwait) and one win (Chinese Taipei), Nepal is at 3 points. Nepal’s next match will be against Australia in Canberra on 10th October, 2019 – Nepalese in Australia are already excited and making plans to watch the game.
Between September 2019 and June 2020, Nepal will play eight matches in total– four at home & four away. A total of 12 teams, the eight group winners and the four best runners-up, will then advance to the final round of qualifying for the 2022 World Cup and the 2023 Asian Cup to be held in China PR.
The four best teams in the final qualifying round will secure a spot at the World Cup and a fifth team will go to the intercontinental play‑offs – the journey is long but not impossible.
