By a Staff Reporter
Kathmandu – The Nepal National Football Team Head Coach Vincenzo Alberto Annese has revealed his starting XI for Nepal’s SAFF Championship opener against Kuwait. The Italian coach has chosen to field the same starting lineup that featured in the friendly match against the Philippines last week.
Leading the team as the captain, Kiran Chemjong will be guarding Nepal’s goalpost, showcasing his skills between the sticks. Sanish Shrestha and Bimal Pandey have been assigned as the fullbacks, responsible for both defensive duties and contributing to the team’s attacking play.
The central defensive partnership will be formed by Ananta Tamang and Rohit Chand, combining their experience and defensive prowess to provide stability at the back. Their coordination and communication will be crucial in thwarting Kuwait’s attacking threats.
In midfield, the box-to-box midfielder Laken Limbu, known for his versatility and work rate, will be joined by Arik Bista and Pujan Uperkoti. This midfield trio will be responsible for controlling the game’s tempo, distributing the ball effectively, and supporting both the defense and the attack.
Anjan Bista and Manish Dangi have been assigned the roles of supporting forwards, operating from the flanks. Their speed, agility, and ability to deliver accurate crosses will be instrumental in creating scoring opportunities for the team. They will provide valuable support to the primary forward, Nawayug Shrestha, who will be leading Nepal’s attacking line.
