Kathmandu, June 21 – The All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) has officially unveiled the final squad of the Nepali national women’s football team for the upcoming AFC Women’s Asian Cup qualifiers.

Head coach Patrick de Wilde announced the 23-member squad on Friday as the team gears up for the crucial tournament.

Nepal is placed in Group F alongside hosts Uzbekistan, Laos, and Sri Lanka. The qualifiers are set to kick off from June 29 in Uzbekistan. Only the top team from each group will secure a coveted spot in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup, which is scheduled to be held in Australia next year.

Coach Patrick de Wilde has blended youth and experience in his selection, banking on the team’s growing cohesion and recent performances in regional competitions.

Final Squad:

Goalkeepers:
Anjila Tumbapo Subba
Anjana Rana Magar
Usha Nath

Defenders:
Geeta Rana
Nisha Thokar
Samiksha Ghimire
Manmaya Damai
Pratiksha Chaudhary
Bimala Bik
Pooja Rana
Amrita Jaisi

Midfielders:
Bimala Chaudhary
Anita Basnet
Renuka Nagarkote
Priti Rai
Saru Limbu
Sabita Rana Magar
Saraswati Hamal

Forwards:
Sabitra Bhandari
Rashmi Kumari Ghising
Chandra Bhandari
Anita KC
Rekha Poudel

Star forward Sabitra Bhandari, Nepal’s all-time leading goal scorer, is expected to lead the charge in attack. The team has been undergoing intensive training to adapt to the competitive environment and hot conditions expected in Uzbekistan.

The AFC Women’s Asian Cup represents a significant opportunity for Nepal to make a mark on the continental stage. With only the group winner progressing, every match will be crucial.