Preliminary squad slashed to 28 players in 2nd round selection for AFC Challenge Cup Qualifiers

The preliminary squad for the up-coming AFC Challenge Cup Group D Qualifiers has been slashed to 28 players from the previous 31 players in its second round selection on Monday.

According to All Nepal Football Association (ANFA), three players have been slashed frp, the preliminary squad -- Saroj Dahal, Ganesh Khadka and Sulav Maskey. However, the players will be further reduced to 23-member squad for the qualifiers.

The 28 players include goalkeeper Kiran Chemjong, Ritesh Thapa and Bikesh Kuthu while Rohit Chand, Sagar Thapa, Sandip Rai, Bijaya Dhimal, Jitendra Karki, Rabin Shrestha, Biraj Maharjan and Sabindra Shrestha are selected as defenders.

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

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. Nepalnews.com