Nepal’s acting head coach, Prabesh Katuwal, on Friday, announced a 23-man squad for the international friendly football match against Pakistan. The friendly is scheduled to be played at the Dasharath Stadium on November 16.

Captain Kiran Kumar Limbu is set to miss the game since he is playing for Punjab FC in India’s second-tier football competition I-League. The vice-captain, Rohit Chand, will wear the armband in Lumbu’s absence.

Forwards Nawayug Shrestha and Sunil Bal have been recalled for national duty. Ayush Ghalan is also back in the team. They will replace Manish Dangi, Hrithik Khadka and Ashish Chaudhary, who were all part of the squad that defeated Bangladesh 3-1 in a friendly in September.

Bal’s injury had ruled him out of the Bangladesh friendly, while Ghalan had just returned to his home country from India after participating in the SAFF U-20 Championship.

Katuwal has also called up Gautam Shrestha and Nishan Khadka in the defence line, and Bishal Rai to strengthen the midfield.

The Pakistan national team is scheduled to arrive in Kathmandu on November 13.

Squad

Goalkeepers: Bishal Shrestha, Deep Karki, Bikesh Kuthu

Defenders: Rohit Chand, Ananta Tamang, Bikash Tamang, Dinesh Rajbanshi, Bikash Khawas, Gautam Shrestha, Nishan Khadka

Midfielders: Tej Tamang, Sesehang Angdembe, Suraj Jeu Thakuri, Pujan Uparkoti, Arik Bista, Aawash Lamichhane

Forwards: Anjan Bista, Bimal Gharti Magar, Nawayug Shrestha, Ayush Ghalan, Sunil Bal, Ritik Khadka, Sujal Shrestha