KATHMANDU: The All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) has announced a 23-member squad for the AFC Women’s Asia Cup qualifiers, comprising seven new players.
The training team, led by Gary Phillips, has included seven players for the first time in next month’s qualifiers against Hong Kong and the Philippines. Midfielder Preeti Rai, forward Sabita Rana, Rashmi Ghising, Rajni Thokar, defender Bimala BK, Nisha Thokar and Srijana Singh are in the team for the first time.
Along with Amisha Karki, veteran defender Anchali Waiba, forward Sharmila Thapa Magar, Hema Chaudhary and Manisha Raut could not make the final selection. In the qualifiers to be held in Uzbekistan, Nepal will compete with the Philippines on October 19 and Hong Kong on October 19. The top team in the group will be selected for next year’s Asian Cup in India.
The Nepali team is set to play a two match friendly series against Bangladesh at Dasharath Stadium. In this regard, both the federations are making final preparations.
After a long absence due to injury, the Nepali team is leaving for the international tournament without forward Sabitra Bhandari. Bhandari is undergoing physio after knee surgery in Qatar.
Nepali team for Asia Cup selection
Goalkeepers – Anjana Rana Magar, Anjila Tumbapo Subba, Usha Nath
Defenders: Amrita Jaisi, Bimala BK, Gita Rana, Hirakumari Bhujel, Nisha Thokar, Poonam Jargha Magar, Srijana Singh, Puja Rana
Midfielders: Anita Basnet, Bimala Chaudhary, Deepa Rai, Indira Rai, Manjali Tamang Yonjan, Preeti Rai, Renuka Nagarkote
Forwards: Anita KC, Rajni Thokar, Rashmi Ghising, Sabita Rana, Saru Limbu
