The runner up of last edition Nepal will face Pakistan in its inaugural match on September 8, Maldives on September 10 and Afghanistan on September 12. [break]During the first edition, Nepal had registered convincing wins over all three opponents. Nepal had defeated Maldives 6-0, Afghanistan 13-0 and Pakistan 12-0.
The other group consists of India, Bangladesh, Bhutan and host Sri Lanka.
Nepal´s coach Kishor KC opined that Nepal will have psychological advantage over its opponents during group stage as the opponents were beaten by big margins. "The draw will definitely favor Nepal as we will have psychological advantage," KC said adding, we are also portrayed as tournament favorite.
Stating that India was the main threat for Nepal in the South Asian level, KC expressed confidence of beating India in the tournament. "We have lost to India in the final of SAFF Championship as well as South Asian Games and this time we are optimistic of beating them," KC said. "This is a challenge as well as opportunity for me." India had defeated Nepal 1-0 in the final of SAFF Championship.
Meanwhile, ANFA has announced names of 24 women footballers players for the closed camp training. The players were selected by coach Kishor KC and assistant coach Kumar Katwal. Among them 23 players belong to departmental team and other is from Kailali.
According to KC the closed camp will begin from Thursday and 20 players will be selected in the final list to compete in the event.
Half of the selected players belong to national champion Armed Police Force (APF) including Jamuna Gurung, Anu Lama, Pramila Rai, Sajana Rana, Laxmi Paudel, Usha Bhandari, Bhagwati Thapa, Manamaya Magar, Chandra Devi Dahal, Tulasa Singh, Mira Maharjan and Ranjana Darji. Seven players from Nepal Police Club are Chandra Bhandari, Niru Thapa, Rina Gubaju, Yasoda Lama, Dhim Kumari Magar, Menuka Giri, Namita Dali. Similarly, Anjali Waiba, Deepa Adhikari, Krishna Khatri and Lila Lamgade are from Nepal Army Club and Nisha Bohara is from Kailali.
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