Nepal U-23 Final Squad Announced for AFC U-23 Asian Cup Qualifiers in Tajikistan

 

KATHMANDU — The All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) has announced the 23-man squad for the AFC U-23 Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers, scheduled in Tajikistan from September 3 to 9, 2025. The squad features a mix of national team stars, NSL standouts, and emerging young talent.

Key Players

• Aayush Ghalan – known for his pace and attacking creativity, a proven threat at the national level.

• Kritish Ratna Chunju – midfield maestro, controlling tempo and orchestrating play.

• Santosh Khatri – NSL standout who impressed with his energy, pressing, and defensive contributions.

• Aron Thapa – rising star in midfield, dictating games with vision and passing ability.

Under the guidance of coach Nabin Neupane, Nepal aims to make a strong impression in Group K.

Group K Challenge

Nepal will face:

• Tajikistan – hosts with home advantage

• Syria – physically strong and tactically disciplined

• Philippines – quick, technically adept, and dangerous on counterattacks

Qualification Format

The group winners and the best four runners-up across 11 groups will advance to the AFC U-23 Asian Cup 2026 in Saudi Arabia. Every match, goal, and point will be decisive.

Nepal’s Fixtures (NST)

• Sept 3 – 21:45: Tajikistan 🆚 Nepal

• Sept 6 – 18:45: Nepal 🆚 Syria

• Sept 9 – 18:45: Philippines 🆚 Nepal

Full Squad

Goalkeepers: Krishal Moktan, Amit Tamata, Bishal KC
Defenders: Bibek Gurung, Bishal Nepali, Lahan Subba, Nigma Lama, Ram Thapa, Sankar Tharu, Semanta Thapa
Midfielders: Abhishek Sengtang, Aayush Ghalan, Aron Thapa, Niraj Karki, Dipesh Gurung, Kritish Ratna Chunju, Pujan Thapa, Sanjeev Lama, Santosh Khatri, Sujan Magar, Sumit Shrestha
Forwards: Rohan Khadgi, Nirajan Dhami

Nepal’s young talents are now ready to take on Asia, fighting for pride, glory, and a place among the continent’s best.

Source: ANFA
Report by: City Sports Network

#NepaliFootball #AFCU23 #YoungGorkhalis #RoadTo2026