Nepal’s U-19 football team will play their first match in the SAFF U-19 Championship 2025 against Sri Lanka today. The match is scheduled to start at 7:45 PM Nepal time at the Golden Jubilee Stadium in Yupia, Arunachal Pradesh, India.
Opportunity to Secure Semi-Final Spot
Nepal is placed in Group B along with India and Sri Lanka. A win against Sri Lanka would secure Nepal’s place in the semi-finals ahead of their final group match against India on May 13. In the opening match of Group B, India defeated Sri Lanka with a significant margin of 8-0.
Leadership Under Captain Ram Thapa
The Nepal U-19 team is led by captain Ram Thapa. The team aims to capitalize on the opportunity to advance to the semi-finals by securing a victory against Sri Lanka.
Upcoming Matches in Group B
Today, another Group B match between Bangladesh and Bhutan is scheduled to begin at 4:15 PM. In Group A’s opening match, Bangladesh and Maldives played to a 2-2 draw.
Semi-Final Qualification Criteria
After the group stage matches, the top two teams from each group will advance to the semi-finals. The semi-finals are scheduled for May 16, with the final taking place on May 18.
Nepal’s Past Performance Against Sri Lanka
In the SAFF U-19 Championship history, Nepal and Sri Lanka have faced each other twice, with Nepal winning both matches. In the 2022 edition, Nepal defeated Sri Lanka 3-0, and in the 2023 edition held in Nepal, Nepal secured a 1-0 victory.
Nepal U-19 Squad
Goalkeepers:
- Bhakta Bahadur Pariyar
- Upendra Lwagun
- Vishesh Baniya
Defenders:
- Roshan Tamang
- Rohan Moktan
- Prashant Moktan
- Kusahang Nembang
- Madan Paudel
- Ram Thapa (Captain)
- Vijay Urba
- Siddhant Khadka
Midfielders:
- Krishna Bahadur Ale
- Krishna Thapa Magar
- Saroj Darlami
- Lachhu Thapa
- Sabin Kumari Lungeli Magar
- Ranjit Lama
- Subash Bam
- Vigyan Khadka
Forwards:
- Pawan Pakhrin
- Dharavendra Kunwar
- Sujan Dangol
- Prasun Tamang
The team is prepared and motivated to perform well in the tournament, aiming to reach the semi-finals and beyond.
