Hector Herve, who was making his debut for the national team, got on the scoresheet in the 29th minute with a deflected shot from outside the area at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium in Iskandar Puteri, Johor.

La’Vere Corbin-Ong gave the hosts all three points after finding the back of the net in the 71st minute.

The Group F result ensures that Malaysia maintains their unbeaten run against Nepal – who have yet to beat Harimau Malaya in eight attempts – and gives head coach Peter Cklamovski a memorable first game in the Harimau Malaya dugout.

Malaysia are ranked 132nd in the Fifa rankings while Nepal are 175th.

The match also saw Faisal Halim making his return to the national team nearly a year after his career was thrown into doubt following an acid attack that left him hospitalised.

The 27-year-old — who last laced up for the national team in their 2026 World Cup qualifier against Oman on 26 March, 2024 — replaced Dion Cools in the 74th minute tonight.

Malaysia will also take on Vietnam and Laos in Group F action, with only the group winner securing a spot in the 2027 Asian Cup, which is scheduled to take place in Saudi Arabia from Jan 7 to Feb 5, 2027.