Himal Press 
File Photo
KATHMANDU: Nepal played a 1-1 draw against Laos in the 2026 FIFA World Cup First Round Qualification at the Dasharath Stadium on Thursday.
Laos captain Bounphachan Bounkong gave his team the lead in the 33rd minute of the first half when his low shot hit the post and curled in. Bounphachan controlled a superb pass from his teammate Chony Waenpaseuth and nutmegged veteran Nepali defenders Rohit Chand and Ananta Thapa and before unleashing his right foot shot.
Anjan Bista equalized for Nepal three minutes into the second half when he controlled Arik Bita’s cross and scored with a left-footed shot past the Laos goalkeeper. Anjan had the opportunity to give Nepal the lead in the 82nd minute. But his header off Laken Limbu’s cross was saved by Laos keeper.
This marks his record 13th goal in 60 games in the national colors, a feat he now shares with Nirajan Rayamajhi and Hari Khadka. Since both Khadka and Rayamajhi have retired, Anjan can claim the record as his own if he scores in the second leg of the qualifier in Laos on October 17.
Anjan played his first game for Nepal against the Philippines in 2014.
