Nepal to play for all three points against Yemen

KATHMANDU: Nepali men’s national football team captain Kiran Kumar Limbu has said that the players are psychologically ready to face Yemen.

Nepal will host Yemen in its second match of the joint selection for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and 2027 Asian Cup at the Dasharath Stadium in Tripureshwar on Tuesday. Nepal conceded a 0-4 defeat against UAE in the first match of the selection Dubai last week.

Speaking at a pre-match conference on Monday, Limbu said the team is psychologically ready to face Yemen. “Even though there is pressure on Nepal to win as we have lost our first match, we are confident of getting positive results,” Limbu said. “We have not kept the game against UAE in mind. The boys are mentally strong and ready to play against Yemen.”

Similarly, Head Coach Vincenzo Alberto Ennese said Nepal will play for all three points against Yemen. “The team has made good preparation after the match against UAE. We made some mistakes in our last match,” Ennesse said. “Tomorrow we want points, so we will perform at a high level. The players are fit. We will enjoy the game among the supporters at home.”

Yemen lost its first match against Bahrain 0-2.

Since the group winners and runner-up will qualify directly for the 2027 Asian Cup and the third round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifier, Tuesday’s match will be crucial for both Nepal and Yemen.

Midfielder Laken Limbu, who picked up an injury in the match against UAE, will not be available for selection against Yemen. Defender Ananta Tamang, who missed the match against UAE due to injury, could return to the team.

The match will kick off at 7 pm. ANFA has fixed the entry fee for the general parapet at Rs 400 and the VIP parapet at Rs 700.