Only the tournament favorite Nepal and Iran, also dubbed as the most powerful team of the tournament, have played one matches apiece while other three teams-Tajikistan, Bahrain and Lebanon have played two matches. The bottom two of the group with Nepal having no points and Iran with one point will be under pressure to win the match at any cost.
The home team will be having the home ground and the local crowd advantage, while the defending champion Iran will have physical advantage over the short and physically weak Nepali team. The home team is likely to be eliminated if they lose Friday´s match. “We will play to win, if we fail to defeat them we will try to hold them in draw,” said Nepal coach Dambar Gurung.
The Nepali team will come on the ground with same team formation as that of previous-4-4-2. One player in the mid-field is likely to be changed. “We will come up with offensive strategy and play low balls rather than aerial. Though both of us -- Iran and Nepal -- dominated the match we failed in the scoring line.” Gurung said.
The Iran coach Mohammadi Agri Akbar said, “We respect all the teams and all are equally tough for us.” This signifies that Iran will exert full pressure against Nepali team and they are eager to snatch full points from the hosts.
In the first match of the day, Lebanon will take on Tajikistan. The leaders Tajikistan has collected four points from two matches, while Lebanon is in second spot with three points winning one and losing one match.
The Tajik are eager to continue will their undefeated streak and are with high moral after playing a goalless draw with Iran on Wednesday. In the first match they defeated Bahrain. On the other hand, Lebanon defeated host in their first match and lost to Bahrain in another. To stay as the title contender they need to win the match.
Friday´s matches
Lebanon Vs Tajikistan @ 12:30
Iran Vs Nepal @ 15:00
Venue: Dasharath Stadium
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