In the two previous editions with both held in Kathmandu, Nepal finished third in the inaugural tournament before they had to content with a silver medal. Coach Upendra Man Singh is hopeful to win the trophy in their third attempt. “We have always been favourites in this

championship and our aim this time is to come home with the trophy that has eluded us in the last two editions,” Singh told the All Nepal Football Association (Anfa) website.

Singh, however, has been left with a huge challenge to fulfil his ambitions having been drawn in a tough group. Nepal will meet Afghanistan and Maldives in Group ‘B’ with both teams considered favourites.

The Nepali team will be led by Manish Karki. The U-16 boys fine-tuned their preparation with practice matches against top tier Manang Marshyangdi Club, Nepal Armed Police Club along with U-19 team, which itself is preparing for the Saff U-19 Championship. The team had stunned MMC 3-0.

Pakistan and Bhutan will not contest the biennial

tournament. Defending champions India, Sri Lanka

and Bangladesh are in Group ‘A’. The top two teams from each group will make it

to the semi-finals. Nepal will begin their campaign with a match against Maldives on August 10 before taking on Afghanistan on August 14. Anfa President Ganesh Thapa bade farewell to the team at the Anfa Complex amidst a programme on Thursday. Singh will be assisted by Rajesh Manandhar, while Madhusudhan Upadyay is the manager.

Anfa releases fixtures

The All Nepal Football Association (Anfa) on Thursday released the remaining fixtures of the Red Bull National League which resumes on September 4. The National League, played under ‘home and away’ format was halted due to April 25 earthquake.

Lumbini FC will host Far West FC in Rupandehi on September 4, while in a clash of big guns Nepal Police Club will take on Manang Marshyangdi Club (MMC) the next day at the Anfa Complex in Satdobato. On the final day, MMC will meet Three Star Club at the same venue.

Jhapa lead the standing with 16 points from eight matches, while Nepal APF Club (14) and Tribhuvan Army Club (11) are second and third respectively with both playing seven matches each.