The speedy Manang Marshyangdi Club (MMC) winger was axed after ANFA refuted national team´s coach Graham Roberts request to finalize 21-member squad. [break]A national team can field 23-member squad for the final round of Challenge Cup.
Now there are only four forwards in the Nepali national team which must play four matches if it crosses the semifinal of the Challenge Cup. "I rooted for the 23-member final squad but finally agreed on 20-member team," Roberts had said on Tuesday during the annoucement of the 21-member team.
"Though I wanted to keep Shrestha I did not have any option other than to axe him," Roberts told Republica.
As only four forwards -- Jumanu Rai, Santosh Sahukhala, Anil Gurung and Ganesh Lawati -- remain in the final squad, Nepal is likely to face shortage if any of the player gets suspended or pick up injury during the tournament.
"I don´t think the team will lack a forward as midfielder Bharat Khawas will be the backup," Roberts said.
Final list of squad
Goalkeepers: Kiran Kumar Limbu (Chemjong), Ritesh Thapa, Bikash Malla
Defenders: Sagar Thapa (C), Rohit Chand, Biraj Maharjan, Rabin Shrestha, Sandip Rai, Deepak Bhusal, Sabindra Shrestha, Jeetendra Karki
Midfielders: Raju Tamang, Bhola Silwal, Nirajan Khadka, Bharat Khawas, Tanka Basnet
Forwards: Jumanu Rai, Santosh Sahukhala, Ganesh Lawati, Anil Gurung
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