Nepal has officially announced its national women’s football squad for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Qualifiers 2025, targeting a return to the prestigious tournament after 26 years.
Head coach Patrick De Wilde revealed the final list on Friday, making one key change from the squad that recently played a friendly match against Thailand. Pratiksha Chaudhary, who plays for APF, has replaced Sushma Tamang in the team. This is her debut call-up to the senior national side.
Nepal to Play in Group F of AFC Women’s Asian Cup Qualifiers
Nepal has been placed in Group F alongside host Uzbekistan, Laos, and Sri Lanka for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Qualifiers 2025.
The match schedule is as follows:
June 29 – Nepal vs Laos
July 2 – Nepal vs Sri Lanka
July 5 – Nepal vs Uzbekistan
Only the group winners will secure a place in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026, which will be held in Australia.
Aiming for a Comeback After Two Decades
Nepal previously participated in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup in 1986, 1989, and 1999. After a long absence, the team is determined to make a strong comeback.
In 2022, Nepal competed in the qualifiers held in India but failed to advance to the final tournament. This year, the squad is more balanced and determined to rewrite history.
Full Squad for AFC Women’s Asian Cup Qualifiers
Goalkeepers: Anjila Tumbapo Subba, Anjana Rana Magar, Usha Nath
Defenders: Geeta Rana, Nisha Thokar, Samiksha Ghimire, Manmaya Damai, Pratiksha Chaudhary, Bimala BK, Puja Rana, Amrita Jaishi
Midfielders: Bimala Chaudhary, Anita Basnet, Renuka Nagarkote, Preeti Rai, Saru Limbu, Sabita Rana Magar, Saraswati Hamal
Forwards: Sabitra Bhandari, Rashimi Kumari Ghising, Chandra Bhandari, Anita KC, Rekha Paudel
