Nepal and Laos shared the spoils in a 1-1 draw during their FIFA World Cup qualification (AFC) first-round match on October 12, 2023. The stalemate at the Dasharath Rangasala Stadium in Kathmandu left the two-legged tie perfectly poised ahead of the return match. Nepal, with strong home support, would have aimed for a victory but found a determined Laos side difficult to break down. Both teams scored a goal apiece in a match that was likely characterized by midfield battles and limited clear-cut chances. The draw meant the second leg in Laos would be a straight shootout, with the winner advancing to the next stage of Asian World Cup qualifying.