“Nepal’s World Cup Qualifier Venue Change Sparks Excitement Amidst Squad Announcement”
Nepal’s highly anticipated World Cup 2026 Qualifier against Bahrain is facing a significant venue change. Due to the deteriorating condition of the Dashrath Stadium pitch, the game will no longer be hosted in Nepal. The All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) announced this decision, citing concerns over the pitch’s suitability for the match.
With Nepal lacking another international standard stadium, the game will now be relocated outside the country. ANFA explained that the ongoing schedule of various sporting events and limited time for pitch maintenance contributed to the unsatisfactory condition of the Dashrath Stadium pitch. A team from the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) visited Nepal in February, confirming that the stadium was not suitable for the upcoming qualifier.
In the midst of this venue change, Nepal’s national team is gearing up for the crucial matches against Bahrain. Head coach Vincenzo Alberto Annese unveiled the preliminary squad. 33 players, for the upcoming second-round qualifiers. The team will convene for a closed camp starting from March 4, in preparation for the matches scheduled on March 21 and March 27.
Nepal’s squad comprises talented players across various positions:
- Goalkeepers: Abhishek Baral, Bishal Sunar, Deep Karki, and Kiran Chemjong.
- Defenders: Ajay Chaudhary, Ananta Tamang, Anjal Maharjan, Bimal Panday, Bishal Basnet, Chhiring Lama, Dipendra BK, Rohit Chand, Sanish Shrestha, Sumit Shrestha, and Yogesh Gurung.
- Midfielders: Arik Bista, Bishal Tamang, Kritish Ratna Chhunju, Laken Limbu, Mani Kumar Lama, Manish Dangi, Rohan Karki, Santosh Khatri, Suraj Jeu Thakuri, and Utsab Rai.
- Forwards: Anjan Bista, Ayush Ghalan, Dinesh Henjan, Gillespye Jung Karki, Hisub Thapaliya, Rajesh Pariyar, Sameer Tamang, and Sanjeeb Bista.
“For exclusive live coverage of the two exciting matches between Nepal and Bahrain make sure to visit gorkhalifootball.com. Immerse yourself in the thrilling action as these two teams clash on the field. Their skills and determination in their quest for victory. Don’t miss out on any moment of the intense gameplay. Join us at gorkhalifootball.com to witness all the excitement unfold live!”