The final round of qualifiers for the AFC Asian Cup 2027, set to be held in Saudi Arabia, begins today. Teams outside Asia's top 18 rankings will compete for the tournament's final six slots.This is the third and last round of Asian Cup qualifications, with 24 teams split into six groups of four.
Nepal is also competing at this stage, starting its qualification campaign today against Malaysia.
The Group F match between Nepal and Malaysia will begin at 7:45 PM Nepal time at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium in Iskandar Puteri, Johor, Malaysia.​​​​​​​
Malaysia is regarded as a stronger team than Nepal, as it ranks far better in the FIFA rankings—132nd, versus 175th. Furthermore, Nepal has never defeated Malaysia in previous matches.Nepal, on the other hand, enters the match with confidence after winning its last two games, whereas Malaysia has only lost two of its last eleven games.