Subas Humagain, Kathmandu
Nepal National Football Team will face Bangladesh at the Bangabandhu International Stadium in the first of two-match friendly series on Friday. The match will kick off at 5:00 PM local Time (4:45 PM NST).
Interim coach Balgopal Maharjan is likely to field his squad in 4-2-3-1 formation as this is the first of two-game series. There are 8 new faces in the squad and few are likely to make their debut for the senior team. Maharjan will have no doubt on goalkeeping spot with Skipper Kiran Chemjong set to start between the bars. Bishal Shrestha and Deep Karki will wait on the bench.
In the defensive front, Ananta Tamang will have a new partner in absence of Devendra Tamang. Either of Ajit Bhandari and Bikram Lama will partner him at the heart of the defense. Army duo of Suman Aryal and Bikash Khawas is expected to play in the full-back positions. The latter, making his first appearance in senior setup. Dilan Loktan, Saroj Dahal, and Chhiring Gurung will have to settle for a spot on the bench. Ranjit Dhimal is ruled out because of injury.
In midfield, Tej Tamang will take the defensive responsibilities along with either Bikram or Arik Bista. If Bikram is deployed in defense, Suvash Gurung will play in the hole with Arik falling deep. Ravi Paswan and Anjan Bista are certain starters in wings after Sujal Shrestha picked up a minor knock in training. Pujan Uperkoti, Sesehang Angdembe, and Darshan Gurung will hope to make a late impact as substitutes if provided they’re handed their first cap.
Nawayug Shrestha is expected to lead the line for Nepal in the attack. Bharat Khawas and Bimal Rana will be awaiting their chances on the bench. George Prince Karki is also an option wide on or center.
Probable XI : Kiran : Bikash, Ananta, Ajit/Bikram, Bikash : Tej, Bikram/Arik : Ravi, Arik/Suvash, Anjan : Nawayug
