Nepal faced 2-1 defeat at the hands of Tajikistan during a group match of 2019 AFC Asian Cup qualification held at ANFA complex in Satdobato, Lalitpur on Tuesday.

Tajikistan took lead with a goal of Dzhalilov Manuchehr in the 25th minute.Vasiev Dishod doubled the visitors' lead in the 29th minute.

Nepal tried to come back in the game and improved the goal difference to 2-1 in the 60^thth minute. Striker Bimal Gharti Magar scored the goal for Nepal.

Magar’s goal in the 60^th th minute was not sufficient for Nepal to defeat Tajikistan.

Tajiskistan started dominating the Nepali team from the beginning.

Earlier, Nepal lost to Philippines and played out a goalless draw with Yemen.

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2019 Asian Cup Qualifiers: Nepal trail Tajikistan 2-0 until half-time

Nepal conceded two goals until half time at the hands of Tajikistan in a group match of 2019 AFC Asian Cup qualification being held at ANFA complex in Satdobato, Lalitpur on Tuesday.

Nepal has been struggling to keep possession of the ball which cost them dearly as they conceded two goals inside four minutes.

Tajikistan's Dzhalilov Manuchehr put the rebound ball inside the net which was saved by Nepali goal keeper Kiran Kumar Limbu in the 25th minute off a corner kick giving the visitors a much-needed lead.

In the 29th minute, Vasiev Dilshod pulled off the same stint as he netted a rebound ball that escaped Limbu's hand.

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Victory at the Anfa Complex grounds in Lalitpur will significantly boost both sides’ chances of securing top two places that guarantees qualification to the Asian Cup finals next year.

Currently Nepal lied third  with just one point from two matches, while Tajikistan are yet to open their account after two games. Philippines lead the pool with six points, two ahead of Yemen. Top two teams from each of the six pools after home and away matches will join 12 top-ranked Asian nations in the Finals.

Defending champions Australia, China, Iraq, Iran, Japan, South Korea, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Thailand, Uzbekistan and hosts UAE are the teams already in the Finals.

Nepal, 169th in recent Fifa rankings, had lost their first away match 4-0 to the Philippines on March 28 before settling for a goalless draw at home against Yemen on June 13. Tajikistan, 151st in Fifa rankings, lost 2-1 away to Yemen and 4-3 at home to Philippines on the same day Nepal played their first two matches. “To materialise our dream of making it into next the round, we have not other option but to win,” said Tajikistan coach Fuzaylov Khakim on Monday. 

Nepal’s Japanese coach Gyotoku Koji also echoed similar voice. “We look for an outright win but a point will also be a positive result,” Koji who replaced forward Anil Gurung with rookie George Prince Karki in his squad. 

As part of their preparation, Nepal trained for a week in Japan in August where they played five matches with various top flight age-group and university teams. “We have been training for a long time now and our tour of Japan will also come in handy,” said Koji.

Tajikistan coach Khakim said that his side was not under pressure despite losing the first two matches. “We all know our position after losing the first two matches but our players are motivated to get positive result on Tuesday,” said Tajikistan coach. Khakim also said he was keeping monitoring Nepal’s game. “Nepal look really well prepared and they fought really well against Yemen,” said Khakim.  

Bharat Khawas and Nawayug Shrestha are likely to spearhead Nepal’s attack. Rohit Chand, Sujal Shrestha, Bikram Lama and Anjan Bista are likely to be deputised as midfielders. Captain Biraj Maharjan will lead the defensive lineup along with Ananta Tamang, Kamal Shrestha and Devendra Tamang. Kiran Chemjong is certain to guard the goal post.