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 Nepal U-23 will kick off their AFC U-23 Asian Cup Qualifiers campaign today against hosts Tajikistan. Tajikistan, who have featured twice in the Asian Cup, are considered strong, with home ground and fans as added advantages.

Coach Nabin Neupane said Nepal is ready to face the challenge and can aim for a positive result with disciplined teamwork. The team reached Tajikistan on Sunday and held two training sessions, with conditions similar to Nepal’s weather. Ayush Ghalan will captain the side, supported by players with senior national team experience like Kritishratna Chhunju, Sumit Shrestha, and Nirajan Dhami.



Nepal is placed in Group K alongside Tajikistan, Syria, and the Philippines. The match kicks off at 9:15 PM NST.

A total of 44 nations are competing in the qualifiers, divided into 11 groups of four. Each group winner and the four best runners-up will qualify, joining hosts Saudi Arabia in the final 16-team tournament in 2026.

Nepal Squad

  • Goalkeepers: Krishal Moktan, Amit Tamata, Bishal KC

  • Defenders: Bibek Gurung, Bishal Nepali, Lahan Subba, Nigma Lama, Ram Thapa, Shankar Tharu, Semanta Thapa

  • Midfielders: Ayush Ghalan (C), Abhishek Syangtan, Aaron Thapa, Niraj Karki, Dipesh Gurung, Kritishratna Chhunju, Pujan Thapa, Sanjiv Lama, Santosh Khatri, Sujan Magar, Sumit Shrestha

  • Forwards: Rohan Khadgi, Nirajan Dhami