Nepal, Laos share spoils in FIFA World Cup qualifiers

Anjan Bista scored the equaliser for Nepal.

Nepal and Laos played to a 1-1 draw in the first leg of the Preliminary Joint Qualification Round 1 for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 at Dashrath Stadium on Thursday.

The result gives Laos a slight advantage, with the Southeast Asian side to host Tuesday's return leg. 

Nepal started on the front foot as they went in search of the opening goal but faced stubborn resistance from Laos, who defended resolutely.

The hosts kept pressing but were left stunned in the 33rd minute when Laos took the lead, with captain Bounphachan Bounkong slotting home Chony Wenpaserth's lay-off.

It was a lead Laos defended valiantly for the remainder of the first half and they headed into the break with a spring in their step.

Nepal, however, came out with purpose after the break and only needed three minutes to equalise, with Anjan Bista sending the home fans into celebrations with his effort. 

Neither side could, however, find a second goal but Laos will fancy their chances on home soil when the two meet in the return leg on Tuesday.