Nepal team experiences major changes ahead of being awarded a 3-0 win over Malaysia

Coach Matt Ross has stepped down, and Nepal's national team found a new head coach before the day of the AFC's decision.

After two losses of 1-3 and 0-1 against Vietnam's national team in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers last October, head coach Matt Ross of Nepal submitted his resignation. Although considered the underdog, Nepal delivered commendable performances in both defeats against Vietnam.

However, these two losses ended Nepal’s chances of qualifying for the 2027 Asian Cup finals. Despite being credited with helping Nepal through a difficult period, head coach Matt Ross resigned. Subsequently, the Nepal Football Association had to quickly appoint a new head coach for the national team.

After Matt Ross stepped down as head coach, the Nepal Football Association (ANFA) decided to appoint former national player Hari Khadka to lead the national team. Khadka, who previously served as ANFA’s Technical Director and was head coach of the women's national team, will take charge of Nepal for the remainder of the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers.

The Nepal Football Association (ANFA) has also filed a complaint with FIFA after midfielder Hector Hevel, who scored one of Malaysia’s two goals in their 2-0 victory at Sultan Ibrahim Stadium on March 25 during the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers, was ruled ineligible to play by the organization.

Similar to Vietnam, Nepal is waiting to be granted a 3-0 victory over Malaysia due to the opposing team fielding an ineligible naturalized player, who even scored a goal. Initially, FIFA only annulled Malaysia’s 4-0 win over Vietnam in June, so ANFA has requested a review of the Nepal vs Malaysia match result.

The final decision rests with the AFC, as Malaysia, after losing the FIFA appeal, has taken the case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). If CAS confirms Malaysia’s breach of naturalization rules, Nepal and Vietnam will certainly be awarded 3-0 wins. Given the evidence so far, this outcome is considered a matter of time.

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