ANFA announces final squad for AFC Challenge Cup

The All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) has announced the final squad for the upcoming AFC Challenge Cup to be played in Hyderabad, India from July 2.

Rakesh Shrestha will lead the team while the newly appointed coach Birat Shrestha – after the German coach couldn't come to Nepal - - will give his 100%.

Notable omissions from the team are Ramesh Budhathoki, Kiran chemzong and rookie Bharat Khawas. Bharat Khawas has been affected by jaundice while Chemzong is still recovering for his head injury. Ranjit Shrestha has been included in the team for the first time. Mostly, NPC players are in the squad. The two strikers - who were neglected before- Santosh Shahukhala and Yougal Kishor Rai have been called to the team.

Nepal will fight against DPR Korea, Myanmar and Sri Lanka.

The final squad is as follows:
Goal keepers: Ritesh Thapa, Bikash Malla, Samit Rajbhandari

Defense:
Rakesh Shrestha (c), Anjan KC, Lok Bandu Gurung, Biraj Maharjan, Sagar Thapa, Suman Subedi, Chun Bahadur Thapa, Bikash Singh Chhetri, Rabin Shrestha

Mid field:
Bijaya Gurung, Vishad Gauchan, Nirajan Khadka, Bhola Silwal, Anata Raj Thapa, Parbat Pandey, Ranjit Shrestha, Raju Tamang, Sandip Rai

Strikers:
Jumanu Rai, Santosh Sahukhala, Yougal Kishor, Nirajan Rayamajhi

nepalnews.com bt July 17 08