Nevertheless, the second voyage will be like sailing against rough tides. Nepal basically faces two major challenges against India if it aspires to survive in the competition.
The primary challenge will be scoring at least two goals past the southern neighbor but at the same time stop the opponent from scoring in that given condition. The other challenge will be Nepali strikers finding the flair and confidence to score.
Scoring at least two goals will propel the match into the additional time and fate of both teams will be determined by the consequence in the additional time.
To progress further in joint qualification, it's mandatory that Nepal defeats India by at least three goals margin-the chances of which appear bleak. Nepal has failed to score a goal in its seven previous international fixtures.
The only reassuring aspect for Nepal is that it is playing at home amidst the rallying of raucous supporters, who will be desperate to see their team progressing further in the qualifiers.
Acknowledging that his team failed to execute the planned strategies in the first leg, Nepal coach Jack Stefanowski was optimistic about getting the desired result at home. He also underscored that his team's first priority will be tying the score.
"We have worked very hard in past few days. Now it's all about the fight. We got to put up a good performance and achieve what we are aspiring. Our first target will be scoring two goals and preventing them from scoring." said Jack.
"We failed to execute our strategies in India and we are the disadvantaged side in second leg. Nevertheless, our hope and confidence is consolidated by the huge home support. We will be fighting for the pride of the nation."
Skipper Sagar Thapa, who accepted being deluded after getting hit in the head early in the first leg, said that the home support will serve the team as its 12th man.
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"I cannot remember well about the first leg but I am certain that we could not play our game there. But we are hopeful about getting the result. We are also pinning our hope upon the home support. Only time will show what will happen," he said.
Meanwhile, Indian coach Stephen Constantine, who also coached Nepal in the turn of the century from 1999 to 2000, sees Nepal as a potential threat at home.
"Only first half has finished and I am sure second half will be tough. We should be very careful as 2-0 is a fragile lead," he said.
"Nepali has been fighters since the beginning of time. I expect them to fight hard. The game is far from over yet. We will give everything to stop Nepal here."
Indian recently appointed skipper Subrata Paul said that it will be an important and difficult away game.
"Nepal is a tough opponent at home and we will give everything to win this game. It's an important away match," he said.
