Seven new faces have made the final cut in the Nepali national squad announced by head coach Gary Phillips on Tuesday for AFC Women's Asian Cup 2022 qualifiers.

The Australian coach left out five players among 28 undergoing closed camp training at the ANFA Complex in Satdobato. The qualifiers are set to take place from September 18 to 24 in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

Among the new faces in the squad are defenders Bimala BK, Nisha Thokar and Srijana Singh, midfielders Preeti Rai, Rajani Thokar, Sabita Rana and forward Rashmi Ghising. Experienced defender Anchali Waiba, forward Sarmila Thapa, Amisha Karki, Hima Chaudhary and Manisha Raut have been left out from the final list of 23 players.

Nepal are drawn in Group 'F' in the three-team group along with Hong Kong and the Philippines. Nepal are set to open their qualifiers campaign against the Philippines on September 18 before taking on Hong Kong on September 21. The Philippines and Hong Kong will vie in the last group match on September 24.

The group winners among three teams will secure a place in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup India 2022 set to take place from January 20 to February 6.

Earlier, Nepal were confirmed as the hosts of Group 'F' before the Asian Federation Confederation (AFC) shifted the tournament away owing to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Final squad

Anjana Rana Magar, Anjila Tumbapo Subba, Usha Nath, Amrita Jaisi, Anita Basnet, Anita KC, Bimala BK, Bimala Chaudhary, Dipa Rai, Gita Rana, Hira Kumari Bhujel, Indira Rai, Manjali Tamang (Yonjan), Nisha Thokar, Preeti Rai, Puja Rana, Punam Jargha Magar, Rajani Thokar, Rashmi Ghising, Renuka Nagarkote, Sabita Rana, Saru Limbu, Srijana Singh.