Nepal head into the break with a 2-0 lead over Laos, despite a slow start and several key players rested by coach Patrick.

Missing seven regular starters — including Puja Rana, Bimala BK, Amrita Jaishi, Rekha Paudel, Preeti Rai, Anjila Subba, and Bimala Chaudhary — Nepal fielded a reshuffled lineup.

Faces like Saru Limbu, Anjana Rana Magar, Nisha Thoka, Saraswoti Hamal, and Samikksha Ghimire were given the opportunity to shine, as Patrick opted for a fresh tactical approach.

Nepal opened the scoring in the 12th minute with a composed finish inside the box, the ball slotted home confidently with a left-footed strike. Though the tempo dipped afterward, Nepal dominated possession and continued to threaten.

Rashmi Ghising had a golden chance in the 30th minute but her shot went straight to the Laotian keeper. Six minutes later, Renuka came close to doubling the lead, only to be denied by a goal-line clearance from a sharp Laos defender.

In the 44th minute, Samba — who plays professionally in France and had been quiet for much of the half — made her mark. She connected beautifully with an Anita Basnet cross, heading the ball into the net to give Nepal their second goal just before the break.