AFC U-23 Asian Cup Qualifiers: Nepal to meet host Tajikistan for its opening match today

Kathmandu, Sept 3:  Nepal is set to begin its journey in the AFC U-23 Asian Cup Qualifiers tonight, facing host nation Tajikistan in its opening match. The game will take place at Pamir Stadium in Dushanbe and is scheduled to kick off at 8:15pm Nepal time.

Nepal is in Group 'K' of the qualifiers, alongside Tajikistan, the Philippines, and Syria. The tournament is being held in a single round-robin format. 

Nepal will play its second match against Syria on September 6, followed by a clash with the Philippines on September 9. Syria and the Philippines are also set to face each other today in their group opener.

The top team from each of the 11 groups will earn a spot in the AFC U-23 Asian Cup, to be held in Saudi Arabia next year. In addition, the four best first-runner up teams across all groups will also qualify for the tournament. 

Nepal’s squad includes Krishal Moktan, Amit Tamata, and Bishal KC as goalkeepers; Bibek Gurung, Bishal Nepali, Lahan Subba, Nigma Lama, Ram Thapa, Shankar Tharu, and Semanta Thapa as defenders; Abhishek Syangtang, Ayush Ghalan, Aaron Thapa, Niraj Karki, Dipesh Gurung, Kritish Ratna Chhunju, Pujan Thapa, Sanjeev Lama, Santosh Khatri, Sujan Magar, and Sumit Shrestha as midfielders; and Rohan Khadgi and Nirajan Dhami as forwards. (RSS)