The Nepal U19 football team has left for India to take part in the third edition of the SAFF U19 Championship. The tournament will be held from May 9 to 18 in Yupia, Arunachal Pradesh. Six South Asian teams are participating: Nepal, India, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives.
Group Stage and Match Fixtures
Nepal is placed in Group B along with India and Sri Lanka. Group A consists of Bangladesh, Bhutan, and the Maldives. The group stage will follow a round-robin format, where the top two teams from each group will qualify for the semi-finals.
Nepal will begin their campaign against Sri Lanka on May 11, followed by a key clash against defending champions India on May 13.
Past Achievements in the Tournament
Nepal won the inaugural SAFF U19 Championship in 2015 and secured third place in the second edition held in 2023. The team is now aiming to reclaim the title.
Coach’s Statement and Farewell Program
At the farewell event held at the ANFA office in Satdobato, head coach Urjan Shrestha expressed optimism, saying, “We will be aiming to lift the trophy again.” ANFA President Pankaj Bikram Nembang and General Secretary Kiran Rai also wished the team success.
Nepal U19 Football Team Squad
Coach Urjan Shrestha finalized a 23-member squad on April 27. The team includes:
- Goalkeepers: Bhakta Bahadur Pariyar, Upendra Lwagun, Bishesh Baniya
- Defenders: Roshan Tamang, Rohan Moktan, Prashant Moktan, Kushahang Nembang, Madan Paudel, Ram Thapa, Bijay Urba, Siddhant Khadka
- Midfielders: Krishna Bahadur Ale, Krish Thapa Magar, Saroj Darlami, Lachhu Thapa, Sabin Kumar Lungeli Magar, Ranjeet Lama, Subash Bam, Bigyan Khadka
- Forwards: Pawan Pakhrin, Dharbendra Kunwar, Sujan Dangol, Prasun Tamang
Bright Future for Nepal U19 Football
With strong preparations and a balanced squad, the Nepal U19 football team is hopeful of a successful tournament. The championship offers a valuable platform for young talents to gain international experience.
Nepal U19 football is on a mission to bring glory back home. All eyes are on the young squad as they aim to conquer South Asia once again.
