Riffa, Bahrain – Nepal’s hopes of progressing into the third round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers and securing an automatic berth to the 2027 AFC Asian Cup were cruelly extinguished on Wednesday night. A 3-0 defeat at the hands of Bahrain at the Bahrain National Stadium not only sealed their elimination from the World Cup Qualifiers but also dashed their dreams of directly qualifying for the prestigious Asian Cup tournament.
The Gorkhalis, under the tutelage of Italian coach Vincenzo Alberto Annese, entered the match with a glimmer of hope, but a series of defensive lapses and a toothless attack ensured their campaign ended in disappointment. This marks the fourth consecutive loss for Nepal in Group H, leaving them rooted to the bottom of the table without a single point.
Bahrain, on the other hand, solidified their position in the group with nine points from three matches, keeping them firmly in contention for one of the two qualifying spots alongside the already-qualified United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The writing was on the wall from the early stages of the match, as Nepal’s defensive frailties were exposed within the first seven minutes. A costly mistake from Laken Limbu inside his own penalty box allowed Sayed Baqer to pounce, deflecting the ball past the helpless Nepali captain and goalkeeper, Kiran Kumar Limbu.
The Gorkhalis’ hopes of a comeback were further dented in the 16th minute when Kiran Kumar Limbu fouled Mohamed Marhoon, resulting in a penalty kick that Abdulla Yusuf Helal coolly converted to double Bahrain’s advantage.
Al Aswad’s goal in the 36th minute, following a swift counter-attack, effectively sealed Nepal’s fate, leaving them with a mountain to climb in the second half.
Despite preventing Bahrain from scoring further, the damage was already done, and Nepal’s disappointing campaign in the World Cup Qualifiers reached its nadir.
This latest setback adds to the growing concerns surrounding Annese’s tenure as Nepal’s head coach. Since his arrival in March 2023, the Italian tactician has struggled to find the right formula, with his methods increasingly coming under scrutiny.
Nepal’s performances have been marred by defensive vulnerabilities, a lack of cutting edge in attack, and an inability to rise to the occasion against superior opposition.
Wednesday’s defeat marked Nepal’s 10th loss in 13 matches under Annese, with their only two wins coming against lower-ranked teams like Laos and Pakistan during the SAFF Championship. The Gorkhalis have now conceded a staggering 14 goals without finding the back of the net in the World Cup Qualifiers, a statistic that underscores their struggles.
While the World Cup dream has been shattered, Nepal can still cling to the hope of qualifying for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup, a tournament they have never participated in before. However, their path to Saudi Arabia will not be an easy one, as they must navigate through the Asian Cup Qualification playoffs (third round) in March 2024.
Annese and his squad will need to undergo a significant reset if they are to silence their critics and secure that elusive maiden Asian Cup qualification. The defensive frailties and lack of attacking threat that plagued their World Cup Qualifying campaign must be addressed, and the team’s mentality and resilience will be tested to the fullest.
As the dust settles on another disappointing campaign, the Nepali football community finds itself at a crossroads. Questions will inevitably be raised about Annese’s suitability to lead the national team, and the need for a fresh approach may become increasingly apparent.
However, it is essential to recognize that rebuilding takes time, and knee-jerk reactions could prove counterproductive. A thorough evaluation of the team’s performance, identifying the root causes of their struggles, and implementing a well-structured plan for the future will be crucial in guiding Nepal towards greater success on the international stage.
While the road ahead is undoubtedly challenging, the potential for growth and improvement remains. With the right guidance, a renewed sense of determination, and an unwavering belief in their abilities, the Nepali footballers can rise from the ashes of this disappointment and emerge as a force to be reckoned with in the years to come.
As the focus shifts to the Asian Cup Qualification playoffs, the onus will be on the players, coaching staff, and the entire Nepali football fraternity to come together, learn from their mistakes, and chart a new course towards glory. Only through unity, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to excellence can Nepal’s dreams of gracing the grandest stages of Asian football be realized.
