Nepal has defeated Chinese Taipei in the ongoing qualifying round of the FIFA World Cup-2022 and Asian Cup-2023 in Qatar. Nepal defeated Taipei 2-0 in the first match of the second round on Thursday night. Anjan Bista and Navyug Shrestha scored one goal each in Nepal’s victory in the match played at Jabar Al Ahmed International Stadium in Kuwait.

In Kuwait, where the temperature was high, Nepal took the lead in the fourth minute of the match by scoring from the penalty spot. Anjan Bista scored for Nepal from the penalty spot. After the Chinese Taipei player touched the ball inside the box with his hand while blocking Nepal’s free kick, the referee gave Nepal the opportunity to take a penalty kick. With the help of the same goal, Nepal took a 1-0 lead till the first half. Anjan’s dangerous attempt in the first half was saved by the Taipei goalkeeper.

Improving ball position in the second half, Nepal took a more aggressive game strategy and scored the second goal in the 80th minute of the game. Navyug Shrestha, who entered the field as a substitute on a pass given by Suman Aryal, made an excellent move and kissed the ball inside the box with a one-touch strike. After that, Nepal won the game 2-0 as there were no more goals from either side in the remaining time. With this victory, Nepal got its second victory in the selection phase. Nepal has increased its chances of qualifying for the Asian Cup by winning easily against a team higher than itself in the FIFA rankings. With this victory, Nepal’s arithmetic possibility of going to the next stage of the World Cup selection is also kept alive.

After Thursday’s victory, Nepal, which is in Group B, has six points after six games. Nepal is still in fourth place. Nepal will now play its last two games against Jordan and Australia.