In a highly anticipated World Cup qualifiers match held today on November 16 at 9:30 pm Nepali Standard Time (NST), the United Arab Emirates (UAE) showcased a dominating performance against Nepal, securing a commanding 4-0 win.
The action-packed match, held at Al-Maktoum Stadium, witnessed UAE’s defender Khalifa Al Hamadi setting the tone with an early breakthrough.
Al Hamadi expertly found the back of the net at the 11th minute, providing UAE with an early lead and setting the stage for a dominant display.
The momentum continued for UAE as captain Ali Mabkhout doubled the lead with a precision penalty shootout in the 36th minute, leaving Nepal struggling to find a foothold in the game. Mabkhout’s clinical finish demonstrated the UAE’s offensive prowess and determination to secure a decisive victory.
Not content with a two-goal advantage, Mabkhout struck again in the 44th minute, further widening the gap between the two teams. Just a minute later, at the stroke of halftime in the 45th minute, Fabio Lima added to Nepal’s woes by slotting in the fourth goal, assisted by A. Ramadan.
Despite Nepal’s efforts, the UAE defense remained resolute, denying any scoring opportunities for the opposing team.
The comprehensive victory highlighted UAE’s cohesive teamwork, clinical finishing, and defensive solidity.
Nepal is facing Yemen in its second match of the qualifiers on 21 November at the Dasharath Stadium. Nepal entered the second stage of the match by beating Laos.