31-member preliminary squad for Group D Qualifiers of AFC Challenge

Nepal’s newly appointed head coach Jack Stefanowski has announced a 31-member preliminary squad for the Group D Qualifiers of AFC Challenge Cup to be held in Kathmandu from March 2-6.

There were 41 players in the first announcement of the preliminary squad last month.

The 31 players include goalkeeper Kiran Limbu, Ritesh Thapa and Bikesh Kuthu while Rohit Chand, Sagar Thapa, Sandip Rai, Bijaya Dhimal, Jitendra Karki, Rabin Shrestha, Biraj Maharjan, Sabindra Shrestha and Saroj Dahal are selected as defenders.

Similarly, Anil Ojha, Bhola Silwal, Bijaya Gurung, Bikram Lama, Ganesh Khadka, Jagjeet Shrestha, Nawayug Shrestha, Nirajan Khadka, Rajendra Rawal, Raju Tamang and Sulav Maskey are mid-fielders and forwards include Amar Dongol, Anil Gurung, Bharat Khawas, Bishal Rai A, Chetan Ghimire, Dipak Rai, Santosh Sahukhala and Jumanu Rai.

Nepal are drawn under Group D along with Bangladesh, Palestine and Northern Mariana Island. Nepal is also set to take on Northern Mariana Island in their opener on March 2, according to the fixtures of AFC Challenge Cup Qualifiers.

Meanwhile, Nepal will also play two-friendly matches with Pakistan on February 6 and 9 prior to the qualifiers as preparatory match. Nepalnews.com