KATHMANDU, DEC 03 - Football fans are putting their fingers crossed as under-20 team is on the Bangladesh visit to play Asian Football Confederation (AFC) U-20 Qualifiers where they meet hosts Bangladesh and Pakistan.
If they return home with win or qualification, Nepali football fans will be able to breathe comfortably and the news will be a welcome relief after the senior stars conceded 42 goals in six matches of Asia Cup Qualifying Round. If not the seniors, juniors should take the challenge and prove that the future of Nepali football is still alive.
"A lot can be expected," coach Ashok KC said. "They enjoy a good combination and I hope they have already learnt to play under pressure."
The team boasts 16 ANFA Academy players being coached for last five years. ANFA has spent some 50 million rupees to groom these players and it is high time that the rookies prove their credentials. The only two players outside from the Academy in the squad are Raj Kumar Ghising and Raju Tamang.
Many believe that the present U-20 squad has as many as six players waiting for national call. And the performance ANFA Academy put up during last few years in competitive games indicates the same. ANFA president Ganesh Thapa has already hinted that the association is looking for some six to eight changes in the national squad.
"We are a bit weak at the front after injured Saugat Subba was ruled out," captain Prasanta Giri said during the training. "But I am hopeful that the boys will do well." The main strength of the team, according to Giri, is the bunch of midfielders with striking potentials. Giri also showed satisfaction over the training and preparation for the tournament.
After a superb performance in 1990, Nepal has failed to show much in the Championship. In 1990, Nepal were league runner-up after winning three of five matches and drawing two in India.
Squad: Bikash Malla, Rajiv Shrestha (goalkeepers), Prasanta Giri (captain - midfielder), Bikram Maharjan, Lok Bahadur Gurung, Pralaya Rajbhandari, Shushil Lama, Subash Lama, Shekhar Thapa, Anjan KC (defenders), Pradip Dangol, Raju Tamang, Subash Rai, Prabin Manandhar, Bijay Gurung, Susan Rajbhandari (midfielders), Rajkumar Ghising and Birat Thapa (forwards).Posted on: 2003-12-02 11:03

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