SAFF states the postponement was a result of the lack of preparations to host the tournament in a home or away format.

Pokhara defeated Dhangadhi 1-0 in Qualifier 2 to reach their maiden NSL final. The win was also special for Pokhara as former Brazilian and Real Madrid legend Roberto Carlos was in attendance.

Nepal are expected to put on a good fight against Hong Kong even if the latter have a clear edge above the Gorkhalis in FIFA Rankings.

Coach Stuart Law, who is arriving on Friday, will witness a practice match series featuring 52 players who have been divided into four teams and build his squad for CWC League 2 tri-series in June.

Those with a UEFA pro-license, the highest professional coaching course in football, can apply for the position.

The final score of the semi-final match between Lalitpur City FC and Dhangadhi FC was 2-1, with Lalitpur coming out as victorious.

Chyasal and Bansbari will open the seventh round on Friday. A win would propel Chyasal to the third position while Bansbari seek an upset to move fifth.

It was the first time in three seasons that Kathmandu, winner of the first season in 2021, did not enter the playoffs.

Dhangadhi, Lalitpur and Pokhara are safe as the top three teams, while Kathmandu’s position would be at risk if Chitwan defeat Dhangadhi in the final league-stage fixture on April 17.

A Division clubs say that the league-cum-knockout tournament could give rise to other problems, including an additional burden on clubs and ANFA.

Irregular leagues and poor management of mofussil games have undermined the spirit of the sport.

ANFA is set to hire a UEFA pro-license holder foreign coach with the target of entering the 2026 Asian Cup and WC qualifiers.

In their past 4 encounters in NSL, Kathmandu have beat Lalitpur thrice while losing once.

Before taking on Malaysia, the Nepali team and their new head coach Matt Ross were in high spirits as they had defeated Singapore 1-0 only four days ago.

Head coach Matt Ross says Nepal are not looking for a draw but a win against Malaysia on Tuesday.

Nepali football fans were however dissatisfied with the troubles of watching the debut win of head coach Matt Ross.

A total of 33 goals have been scored across 14 games in the league. Planning Boyz United stay at the top of the table on goal difference.

Ross and Chemjong say the results of their training will be apparent on the ground when they face Singapore first.

Nepal face Singapore in a friendly on March 21 before travelling to Malaysia for the first leg of the Asian Cup Qualifiers’ third round on March 25.

Alexander-Arnold hobbled off the pitch during Tuesday’s Champions League last-16 loss to Paris St Germain with an ankle injury.