Jordan is not a familiar opponent for Nepal in international football. However, the name has been carved into the memories of the ardent followers of Nepali football as Nepal had contrasting results against the West Asian nation. Having suffered a 9-0 demolition in the away fixture of the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers back in 2011, Nepal held Jordan for a 1-1 draw in a rain-affected reverse fixture in their own backyard as Bharat Khawas became the first Nepali player to score against a nation placed within top 100 in the FIFA rankings as Jordan back then were 91st in the world.

As Nepal takes on Jordan yet again on Tuesday, the matches played eight years ago could be of some reference. The 9-0 defeat remains as Nepal’s worst loss in a decade and a half. Nepali squad misses Khawas this time around while the playing surface will not be as dilapidated as the one at then Dashrath Stadium.

As it appears, the team appears clueless regarding what to expect from Jordan almost a decade later from the humiliation. The team does not have anything to lose and Nepal head coach Johan Kalin has no blushes to hide. Kalin says, “We believe in our playing style, standards and strategies. We will try and give our best and hope for a good game.” Jordan are the second-highest ranked team after Australia that Nepal are playing against in the joint qualifiers. While Nepal are placed 161st in the FIFA rankings, Jordan are 64 places above their South Asian rivals.

In the three matches played so far, Nepal have won just one as their 2-0 win against Taiwan was the first-ever away win at World Cup Qualifiers. Nepal’s opponents for Tuesday, Jordan, however, have failed to play at their level and Nepal would aim to reap benefits from the same. The second-half performance in the match against the Socceroos have given some respite to Team Nepal as they aim to carry on the momentum and upset Jordan at their home.

Jordan, similar to Kuwait and Australia boast players that are physically taller and stronger in relative comparison to Nepal and are certain to have the advantage of home conditions and support of their fans. In the matches played nine years ago, Jordan took advantage of their physical strength and played more air balls to cause complications for Nepal’s defense.

The clash against Jordan is Nepal’s last away match of the group stage as the country’s only international football venue; the Dashrath Stadium is undergoing renovation. The stadium is expected to be prepared before the South Asian Games scheduled between December 1-10 in Kathmandu and Pokhara. Nepal will then play all of their home matches following completion of the stadium.

Speaking ahead of the clash against Jordan, Nepal captain Kiran Chemjong says, “It is a tough back to back match following a long journey from Australia. Obviously, we are going to play for a win. We will follow the strategy of the coach for a victory. The coach has been formulating different strategies for matches against different teams so far, but he has taken Jordan and Kuwait as equals.” On his performance against Australia, Chemjong adds: “I am satisfied with my performance against Australia, but after every match, I feel that I could have done better for my country and the team. Everyone appreciated the performance, but I feel guilty for a few errors.”

On the crushing defeat against Jordan nine years ago, Chemjong shares, “Jordan are a strong side, there is no second thought in that. We have already played with them. Away match against a strong side is always a challenge. The previous 9-0 drubbing did hurt all of us. We will try our level best to fight with Jordan and avenge the defeat. A lot has changed in the past 8 years; we have many new faces in the team, so we are focusing on the present.”