Kathmandu, June 5 -- Nepal is set to face Hong Kong in a rare international football friendly on Thursday, nearly 37 years after the two sides last met. The match, to be held at So Kon Po Stadium in Hong Kong, kicks off at 5:45 pm Nepali time.

The previous and only encounter between the two nations dates back to 1988 during the Asian Cup Qualifiers in Kathmandu, which ended in a goalless draw.

This time, the friendly serves as a key preparatory fixture for Nepal ahead of their upcoming AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers. Under head coach Matt Ross, the team is looking to evaluate its progress and readiness, with Laos being their next competitive opponent.

Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Ross expressed both respect for the opponent an...