Nepal will head with full of confidence when they play Laos in the semi-finals of the AFC Solidarity Cup at the Negeri Stadium in Kuching, Malaysia on Saturday.

Laos are par opponents for Nepal with both sides playing a 1-1 draw on May 29 in what is the only previous meeting between the two teams. While Nepal boast their status as Group ‘A’ winners, Laos had finished runners-up in Group ‘B’ brushing aside Mongolia 3-0 in their final league game.

Laos had beaten bottom team Sri Lanka 2-1 before they were hammered by Group ‘B’ winners Macau 4-1 in the second game. On the contrary, Nepal began their campaign with a frustrating goalless draw before a 3-0 victory over Brunei lifted them to the top group winners.

Brunei had fielded their second string squad against Nepal, resting six regular players but coach Gyotoku Koji believes his side has garnered enough confidence to find their way into the final. But Koji wanted to remain cautious. “They did well in their last group match. Their strength was evident in their game against Mongolia,” said Koji adding the pitch conditions was the worrying factor for his side if it rains.

“If it rains, it is going to be difficult for us. Laos are used to playing in such conditions so they will have the advantage,” added the coach. A poor defensive lineup had allowed Nepal to score three goals against Brunei and Koji’s major concern will be once again be his front line. Nepal’s striking trio Nawayug Shrestha, Bharat Khawas and Bimal Gharti Magar had failed to score against a lowly Timor-Leste side before all three got off the mark against Brunei. With a place in the final at stake, Laos will be a hard nut to crack for Nepal.

Laos coach Valakone Phomphakdy knows it is going to be an even contest. “We expect a very competitive match, provided it doesn’t rain,” he said.  “We are focused on playing a good game as all of our boys are fit and the preparations have gone as per our plan. The change in the condition will change the game plan,” the Laos coach concluded.

Nepal are expected to field the same starting XI that played against Brunei but Koji would like his key midfielder Anjan Bista to be prepared for full 90 minutes. Bista had come on as second half substitute against Brunei after he received a knock against Timor-Leste.

If Bista finds his place in the starting XI, Khawas could be in the bench with Shrestha and Gharti Magar taking the responsibility as strikers. Koji played three defenders—Biraj Maharjan, Rabin Shrestha and Ananta Tamang—against Brunei bringing in Aditya Chaudhary to the midfield.

A place in the starting XI for Bista will also mean Koji will be opting a 4-4-2 formation playing Chaudhary in defence. Sujal Shrestha, Bikram Lama and Heman Gurung are all but certain to retain their place along with goalkeeper Kiran Chemjong.