NEPALIS are known for their dedication, strong work ethic and pride in their craft.

Many work as security guards in Malaysia, earning a reputation for their no-nonsense attitude.

So, will we see that same grit and discipline when world No. 175 Nepal take on Harimau Malaya in an Asian Cup qualifier at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium tomorrow?

Ranked 43 places higher, Malaysia should be expected to breeze through this one.

But football isn't played on paper, and coach Peter Cklamovski's side must show they mean business from the first whistle.

Cklamovski has promised a high-intensity, attack-minded team, and Nepal could be the first to feel the full force of Harimau Malaya's new identity.

With two new heritage recruits — Dutch-born Hector Hevel and Spanish-born Gabriel Palmero — joining the ranks alongside other foreign-born players, fans will be hoping for a spectacle.

They want goals. They expect a statement.

But Nepal are not here to make up the numbers.

They arrive with confidence after a 1-0 win over Singapore, their first victory in four meetings with the Lions.

Nepal's strength lies in their discipline, defensive organisation and ability to frustrate opponents.

They may not have the individual flair of Malaysia, but what they lack in talent, they make up for in work ethic.

There's also a mini Australian showdown on the sidelines, with Nepal's Matt Ross — making his debut in a major assignment — looking to outfox his compatriot in the opposite dugout.

Low-ranked teams often frustrate their opponents by parking the bus and looking for that one golden counter-attack.

Malaysia must break them early. Let Nepal grow in confidence, and it could be a long night.

But make no mistake, the real battle in Group F is not Nepal or world No. 186 Laos — it's world No. 114 Vietnam.

Vietnam may have kept a low profile lately, but they are no pushovers. They won the Asean Cup last year, edging Thailand 5-3 on aggregate in the final.