UAE Maintains Perfect Run with 4-0 Victory Over Nepal in FIFA World Cup Qualifiers
Dammam, The Gulf Observer: The UAE continued their flawless performance in Group H of the Preliminary Joint Qualification – Round 2 for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ with an emphatic 4-0 win over Nepal at Prince Mohammed bin Fahd Stadium on Thursday.
Already securing their place in the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ and advancing to the next round of World Cup qualifiers, the Whites showcased their dominance yet again. They now head into the final group match against Bahrain in Dubai, aiming to maintain their perfect record.
The match started explosively, with the young forward opening the scoring for the UAE just 12 minutes in. Left unmarked at the far post, Suhail capitalized on a precise cross from Abdullah Idris, powering a header past the Nepali defense.
Merely two minutes later, Suhail doubled his tally. A deft pass from Ali Saleh split the Nepali defense, allowing Suhail to control the ball and finish with composure past goalkeeper Kiran Chemjong, bringing the score to 2-0.
Chemjong performed admirably to prevent further damage, notably saving a close-range shot from Mohammed Al Baloushi, who was set up by Saleh inside the box. Saleh, who nearly scored an extraordinary solo goal just before the break, showcased his skill by weaving past four defenders and shooting from outside the box, only to be thwarted by Chemjong’s save.
However, Saleh’s efforts paid off eight minutes into the second half. Following a slick passing move, Tahnoun Al Zaabi found Saleh on the left, who then cut inside and fired into the top corner, making it 3-0.
Debutant Mohammed Al Mansouri nearly marked his first international appearance with a goal. Idris delivered a cross from the left, but the 18-year-old sent his first-time shot over the crossbar from close range.
The highlight of the night came with 15 minutes remaining, courtesy of 19-year-old Hazem Mohammed. Spotting the Nepali goalkeeper slightly off his line, Hazem launched a stunning lob from 35 yards out, sealing the UAE’s fourth goal in spectacular fashion.
With this victory, the UAE not only solidified their top position in Group H but also demonstrated their readiness for the upcoming challenges in the World Cup and Asian Cup qualifiers. The final group match against Bahrain will see the Whites aiming to complete their campaign with full marks.
