Kathmandu: Nepal succumbed to their first ever defeat against Laos going down 2-1 in their third round Group ‘F’ match of the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers at the Lao National Stadium in Vientiane, Laos.

Damoth Thongkhamsath and Peeter Phanthavong were on target for the home team who registered their first victory over Nepal in the seven encounters. Manish Dangi hit back consolation for Nepal.   

Nepal had won three and drawn three games in the last six matches played between the two sides.

The outcome also marks a disappointing start to Nepal’s recently appointed Australian coach Matt Ross, who took over the charge of the team for the first time in a competitive tournament.   

Damoth gave lead with an early 13th minute goal before Peeter doubled the advantage five minutes into the restart with a 25-yard strike to stun goalie and Nepal captain Kiran Chemjong. 

Nepal pulled one back in the 73rd minute through a penalty converted by Manish after he was fouled inside the box. 

Nepal, still without a point, dropped to bottom of the standings after two matches. In contrast, Laos, previously behind Nepal on goal difference, has climbed to third place with three points. 

Earlier, Nepal had defeated Laos 2-1 on aggregate in the first round of the joint qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup 2027 with Manish Dangi scoring the decisive goal. 

Meanwhile, Nepal’s midfielder Kritish Ratna Chhunju marked his international debut in the 73rd minute replacing Manish. 

Nepal are grouped along with Laos, Malaysia, and Vietnam in the group. Each team will play six matches in a home-and-away format. Only the group winner will qualify for the 19th edition of the AFC Asian Cup set to take place in Saudi Arabia in 2027. Nepal will face Vietnam in their third match on October