A New Chapter for Nepal’s Football
Kathmandu, Nov. 9 — For many Nepali football fans, Hari Khadka is considered one of the greatest players the country has ever produced. With 13 goals to his name, he shares the title of joint highest goal scorer for the men’s national team with Nirajan Rayamajhi and Anjan Bista. Currently serving as the Technical Director of the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA), Khadka has now taken on a new, temporary role as the head coach of the Nepali men’s national team.
This unexpected transition came after Matt Ross, an Australian UEFA pro-licensed coach, resigned from his position on October 28, leaving four months of his one-year contract unfulfilled. With the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers’ second leg match against Malaysia approaching, ANFA had to act quickly to fill the vacancy. In a strategic move, they appointed Khadka to lead the team during this transitional period.
On November 2, Khadka announced a preliminary squad of 35 players for the upcoming match against Malaysia, as well as a friendly game against Bangladesh scheduled for November 13. The players arrived at Dasharath Stadium on Thursday, marking the start of a close camp. Two days later, the squad was reduced to 23 players.
The goalkeepers in the final squad include Kiran Chemjong, Bishal Sunar, and Deep Karki. Other notable players selected are Abhishek Limbu, Aditya Shakya, Ananta Tamang, Anjan Bista, Arik Bista, Ayush Ghalan, Dinesh Henjan, Dipesh Gurung, Gillespye Jung Karki, Kushal Deuba, Laken Limbu, Mani Kumar Lama, Manish Dangi, Rohit Chand, Rohan Karki, Sanish Shrestha, Subash Bam, Sumit Shrestha, Suman Shrestha, and Yogesh Gurung.
Several players did not make the final cut, including Nawayug Shrestha, George Prince Karki, Bimal Pandey, Diwakar Chaudhary, Srijan Raj Gautam, Shankhar Tharu, and Kritish Ratna Chhunju, among others.
Even if Nepal manages to defeat Malaysia on November 18, it will not be enough for them to qualify for the 2027 Asian Cup, as they have already lost four matches in the qualifiers. However, the friendly match against Bangladesh on November 13 could provide an opportunity for some records to be broken.
Anjan Bista has the chance to surpass both Rayamajhi and Khadka as Nepal’s all-time leading goal scorer if he scores in the match. With one more goal, he could break the record and cement his place in Nepali football history.
Meanwhile, some key players, including Anjan, Chand, Arik, and Dangi, were present at a recent protest against the ANFA. This protest, which took place on Thursday, could escalate in the coming week, with the players’ next steps remaining uncertain. This situation might affect the team’s performance, as the players may not be in the best mental state for the upcoming matches.
Despite these challenges, Khadka is expected to bring his extensive knowledge and experience to the coaching role. His appointment reflects the confidence that ANFA has in his ability to guide the team through this critical phase. As the team prepares for the matches ahead, all eyes will be on how Khadka and his squad perform under pressure.