Nepal is facing Tajikistan today in the opening game of the Bangabandu Gold Cup in Group A. As the defending champion, Nepal is participating in the competition.

Nepal defeated Bahrain in the last edition’s final by 3-0.

In last two meetings between the two sides, Nepal have not been able to stop the Tajik team from winning.

The two sides met in AFC Asian Cup Qualification and Nepal lost both the games. In the first fixture between the sides Nepal lost to Tajikistan 1-2 at home, with Bimal scoring the goal for Nepal, while lost 3-0 in the reverse fixtures in Hisor.

Tajikistan hasn’t been much to their potential in their last few matches, having won only 2 matches out of the last 8, with those both being against Nepal.

Meanwhile Nepal on other hand has had a mix run of form recently, having winning only 2 games, out of the last 8 fixtures, those being against Bangladesh and Bhutan in SAFF Championship.

Nepal are playing the game at 6:15 NPT.

FIFA Ranking:

Nepal - 160
Tajikistan - 120

Nepal’s Squad for Bangabandu Gold Cup:

Goalkeepers: Bishal Shrestha, Bikesh Kuthu, Alan Neupane.

Defenders: Dinesh Rajbansi, Devendra Tamang, Biraj Maharjan (C), Ananta Tamang, Aditya Chaudhary, Suman Aryal.

Midfielders: Hemant Thapa Magar, Heman Gurung, Bishal Rai, Sunil Bal, Sujal Shrestha, Nirajan Khadka, Tej Tamang

Forwards: Bharat Khawas, Bimal Gharti Magar, Nawayug Shrestha, Anjan Bista.