Kathmandu: Nepal’s slim hopes of qualifying for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup finals ended on Tuesday after a 1-0 defeat in their ‘home leg’ game of Group ‘F’ Qualifiers played in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

Five days after losing the away fixture 3-1 to the same opponents in the same city, Nepal played their home match in Vietnam after Dasharath Stadium failed to meet the Asian Football Confederation’s requirements to host international games.

An own goal from defender Suman Shrestha in the fifth minute was enough for Vietnam to seal the victory.

The fourth defeat in as many games put Nepal at the bottom of the four-team standings. Nepal were earlier defeated 2-0 by Malaysia and 2-1 by Laos in their away fixtures.

Nepal are the only team in the group yet to open their account in the points table. Malaysia sit on top with 12 points from four matches, followed by Vietnam on nine and Laos on three. Only the group winners will qualify for the Asian Cup finals.