The third defeat knocks Nepal out of the qualifiers with a match in hand in the five team contest. Earlier, Nepal had lost its opener 5-0 against host Iran and faced 2-0 defeat at the hand of Afghanistan in the second match.
Nepal conceded three goals each in either half against Saudi Arabia, which had played goalless draw against Afghanistan in its second match. Five different players were on score-sheet for Saudi Arabia.
Ahemed Essa A Al Nathiri netted twice for Saudi Arabia. Skipper Mustafa Albassas put Saudi Arabia ahead as early as in 22nd minute and six minutes later Ahemed Essa doubled the tally. Saudi Arabia scored third goal in the last minute of the first half when Ahemed Essa converted a cross from Abdulaziz Ali M Albishi's.
Nepal resorted to attacking style in the second half after going down 3-0 in the first half despite coming up with defensive approach. However, it failed to make any impact after the break and Nepal conceded three more goals.
Nepal not only lacked coordination and came up with miss-passes, the defense line up and midfield also looked horrible.
Mohmmed Eidah Alsaiari made it 4-0 in the 63rd minute and substitute Almousa Rayan Siddiqe also found net in the 77th minute.
Saleh Alshehri sealed the victory for Saudi Arabia in the 85th beating goalie Bikesh Kuthu.
Nepal will play its last match of the qualifiers against Palestine on March 31 at the same venue.
Nepal's Starting XI
Bikesh Kuthu (GK), Aditya Chaudhary, Ananta Tamang, Prakash Budhathoki, Jagajeet Shrestha, Heman Gurung (Kamal Shrestha 81), Amar Dangol , Bishwas Shrestha (Man Bahadur Tamang 64), Bishal Rai, Gaurab Budhathoki , Hemant Thapa Magar
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