KATHMANDU, Aug 17: Ruslan Three Star club has left for Mongolia on Tuesday to take part in the AFC Cup play-off qualifiers. The national champion will take on Erchim FC and Nagaworld FC in the Group B qualifying matches.
Three Star head coach Megh Raj KC has decided to hand the captain's armband to midfielder Bikram Lama. However, Nirajan Khadka was given the captain's role in the warm-up matches against departmental teams APF and Tribhuvan Army Club.
“Though Nirajan led the team in the warm-up matches, we were undecided about the captainship for the AFC Cup qualifiers. Last night, we made the decision to hand the captain armband to Bikram as he is now back from injury,” said KC, when asked about the change in captain's role. Nirajan is given vice-captain's role.
Talking to reporters in the farewell program organized in Patan on Tuesday, head coach Megh Raj KC said that Three Star's primary target is to top its group in the play-off. “The club is sending us to Mongolia with full trust. We won't let them down. We will give our best to make the club and whole nation proud,” added KC.
Captain Bikram Lama expressed his optimism of doing well in Mongolia. “The team has improved technically and tactically under coach Megh Raj KC. Understanding among the players is also very good. We are moreover an organized team rather than a star-studded team,” Bikram said, adding, “We have played against Erchim in the past. Our opponents aren't stronger than us.”
Three Star will play against host Erchim FC on August 21 at 15:00 local time [NST 12:45] while the second match is scheduled for August 23 against Nagaworld FC of Cambodia at 18:00 local time [NST 15:45].
Three Star qualifies for the AFC Cup play-off (photo feature)
Squad
Goalkeepers: Alan Neupane, Binay Shrestha, Abhisek Baral
Defenders: Ranjit Dhimal, Devendra Tamang, Peter Segun, Bijaya Dhimal, Saroj Dahal, Bishnu Sunuwar
Midfielders: Bikram Lama, Nirajan Khadka, Prakash Budathoki, Sunil Bal, Bijay Gurung, Bishnu Gurung
Forwards: Buddha Chemjong, Asim Jung Karki, Roshan Mal, Martins Kayade Ajaayi
