Nepalese newspaper commented when the home team almost created a surprise against the Vietnamese team

In the third match of the 2027 Asian Cup qualifying round at Go Dau Stadium (HCMC) on the evening of October 9, the Vietnamese team won 3-1 against Nepal. This was a difficult match for coach Kim Sang Sik and his team.

Nepalese newspaper commented when the home team almost created a surprise against the Vietnamese team - 1

The Vietnamese team won 3-1 against Nepal (Photo: Nam Anh).

Although Tien Linh gave Vietnam an early lead, Shrestha equalized for Nepal. The turning point of the match came at the end of the first half when Laken Limbu received a red card and was sent off. With the advantage of having more players, the “Golden Dragons” scored two consecutive goals in the second half to win.

Commenting on this match, the Nepalese press expressed regret. The Kheladi newspaper emphasized: “Nepal suffered a regrettable defeat with a score of 1-3 against the Vietnamese team. Coach Matthew Ross's team did an excellent job of holding the stronger opponent to a score of 1-1 after the first half. However, Laken Limbu's red card changed Nepal's fate. When playing with 10 men, the team could not withstand the Vietnamese team in the second half.”

Hamrakura newspaper commented: “Nepal had an excellent performance in the first half when they held the host team Vietnam to a 1-1 draw. However, Laken Limbu’s red card changed everything. Without this penalty, Nepal could have had a surprising result against the Vietnamese team. Nepal was almost eliminated after three consecutive losses.”

Nepalese newspaper commented when the home team almost created a surprise against the Vietnamese team - 2

Laken Limbu's red card was the turning point of the match (Photo: Nam Anh).

Another Nepalese newspaper, Setopati, said that the home team was quite immature and could not maintain a draw against the Vietnamese team. That immaturity was evident from the mistake they made when Laken Limbu received a red card for pulling down Hai Long.

“This is Nepal’s third match against Vietnam. Previously, the team lost twice to this opponent in 2003 with scores of 0-2 and 0-5. Coach Matthew Ross’s team has 5 days to prepare before the rematch with Vietnam,” Setopati newspaper emphasized.

Meanwhile, Ron Post admitted: “Like 22 years ago, Nepal could not surprise the Vietnamese team. Holding the opponent to a 1-1 draw in the first half was also a success for Nepal. The loss of a player affected the team too much. Nepal could not resist and lost two more goals in the second half.”

The rematch between Vietnam and Nepal will take place at 7:30 p.m. on October 14 at Thong Nhat Stadium (HCMC).

Nepalese newspaper commented when the home team almost created a surprise against the Vietnamese team - 3