Nepal vs Bahrain Preview
Nepal and Bahrain lock horns at the Bahrain National Stadium on Thursday in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier, as both sides look to recover from their last defeat.
Having started their campaign with 2-0 win over Yemen, the Pearl Divers were beaten by the United Arab Emirates by the same scoreline in their next match. With three points from their opening two games, Bahrain are currently second in Group H, three behind leaders UAE, but still in contention to qualify directly for the tournament proper.
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This is their first game since losing 3-1 to Japan in the round of 16 of the AFC Asian Cup in January. The Reds reached the knockout stages of the competition for the second edition in a row after winning Group E, but fell to the Samurai Blue following a tense encounter.
On the other hand, Nepal have lost both their qualifying matches, endangering their progression hopes. The Gorkhalis were crushed 4-0 by the UAE before a 2-0 loss to Yemen in their next match. Back-to-back defeats have left them without a point right now and at the bottom of the group too, as the South Asian minnows face an uphill task in their quest for a maiden appearance in the Asian Cup.
Nepal vs Bahrain Team News and Predicted Lineups
Nepal
Head coach Vincenzo Annese has named a 23-man squad for this month’s double-header to Bahrain, including six players who have received a call-up for the first time. Rohan Karki, Bishal Basnet, Abhishek Limbu, Ajay Chaudhary, Saubhagya Rai and Samir Tamang are all in line to make their international debut for the Gorkhalis. Bharat Khawas also marks his return to the side. Deep Karki, Ayush Ghalan, and Suraj Jeu Thakuri have missed out.
Predicted XI: Kiran Chemjong; Sanish Shrestha, Rohit Chand, Ananta Tamang, Ajay Chaudhary; Bishal Basnet, Utsab Rai, Laken Limbu; Anjan Bista, Gillespye Jung Karki, Dinesh Henjan
Bahrain
Juan Antonio Pizzi has called up 26 players for this month’s Asian Cup qualifiers against Nepal, including Czech Republic-based Abdulla Yusuf Helal. Veteran goalkeeper and skipper Sayed Mohammad Jaffer, who has 151 caps to his name with the side, has also been summoned.
Predicted XI: Ebrahim Lutfalla; Mohamed Hasan, Sayed Baqer, Waleed Al Hayam, Hazza Ali; Mohamed Al-Hardan; Ali Madan, Jasim Al-Shaikh, Kamil Al-Aswad, Mohamed Marhoon; Abdulla Yusuf
Nepal vs Bahrain Head-To-Head
This is the first official clash between Nepal and Bahrain
Nepal vs Bahrain Predicted Score
Nepal, ranked 175th, is one of the world’s weakest teams. The Gorkhalis have lost their last three international matches in a row, and Bahrain will be looking to capitalize on their vulnerability. The Reds boast a decent attacking frontline, capable of taking them apart.
Predicted Score: Nepal 0-2 Bahrain
Nepal vs Bahrain Betting Tips and Odds
Betting Tips
- Bahrain to beat Nepal
- Goals over 2.5: Yes
- Both teams to score: No
Odds
- Bahrain: 1.24
- Draw: 0.72
- Nepal: 4.91
Nepal vs Bahrain Timings and Telecast
- Date: Thursday, 21 March at 07:00 PM (GMT)
- India: Sony Sports
- Nepal: FIFA+
- Bahrain: FIFA+
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