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The Nepal U23 national football team is set to begin its AFC U23 Asian Cup Qualifiers journey on Wednesday against the hosts Tajikistan U23 in Dushanbe. After nearly two years away from the tournament due to financial difficulties, Nepal is making a determined comeback and will look to test themselves against a strong Tajik side in their opening encounter.
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Nepal vs Tajikistan: Head-to-Head History
This will be the second-ever meeting between Nepal U23 and Tajikistan U23 in the AFC U23 Asian Cup Qualifiers. Their first clash came in October 2021, also in Tajikistan, where Nepal suffered a heavy 6-0 defeat. The match had already tilted in Tajikistan’s favor by halftime with a 3-0 lead, before the hosts added three more goals to seal a dominant victory.
Now, nearly four years later, Nepal and Tajikistan meet again in Group K, alongside the Philippines and Syria.
Nepal’s AFC U23 Qualifiers Journey
Nepal first participated in the AFC U23 Asian Cup Qualifiers back in 2012 in Oman. That year, Nepal was grouped with Jordan, Uzbekistan, Yemen, and Bangladesh. The qualifiers hosted at the Dasharath Stadium in Kathmandu saw Nepal earn only one victory — against Bangladesh.
However, since then, Nepal’s record in the competition has been disappointing:
- 2016 Qualifiers (Saudi Arabia/Iran): Lost all matches against Saudi Arabia, Iran, Palestine, and Afghanistan.
- 2018 Qualifiers (UAE): Defeated by Uzbekistan, UAE, and Lebanon.
- 2020 Qualifiers (Qatar): Lost to Qatar, Oman, and Afghanistan.
- 2022 Qualifiers (Tajikistan): Failed to win against Iran and Lebanon.
- 2024 Qualifiers: Nepal withdrew due to financial reasons.
Apart from the 2012 edition, Nepal has never scored a single goal in any of its AFC U23 Asian Cup Qualifier campaigns — a fact they will be desperate to change this time.
Tajikistan U23: A Strong Opponent
Unlike Nepal, Tajikistan U23 has already played in the 2022 and 2024 editions of the AFC U23 Asian Cup, although they were unable to progress beyond the group stages. With experience at the continental level and several players playing in foreign leagues, Tajikistan will start as clear favorites at home.
Nepal U23 Squad and Probable XI
Head coach Nabin Neupane has opted for a squad mixed with youth and experience. Several senior national team players, including Aayush Ghalan, Sumit Shrestha, Kritish Ratna Chhunju, and Santosh Khatri, are expected to play a key role. Rising star Aron Thapa is also set to make his much-anticipated debut.
Probable Starting XI vs Tajikistan U23:
- Goalkeeper: Bishal K.C.
- Defenders: Ram Thapa, Santosh Khatri, Lahan Subba, Bibek Gurung
- Midfielders: Kritish Ratna Chhunju, Sumit Shrestha, Dipesh Gurung, Abhishek Syangtan
- Forwards: Niranjan Dhami, Aron Thapa, Captain Aayush Ghalan
Qualification Stakes
The qualification format allows only the group winners and the four best runners-up from 11 groups to advance to the AFC U23 Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia 2026. This makes every game crucial, and both Nepal and Tajikistan will be eyeing a winning start.
Online Streaming
Match Details: Nepal U23 vs Tajikistan U23
- Competition: AFC U23 Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers
- Date: Wednesday, September 3, 2025
- Venue: Central Republican Stadium, Dushanbe, Tajikistan
- Kick-off Time: 9:45 PM NST (Nepal Standard Time)
- Live Streaming: Tajikistan Football TV (YouTube) and SajhaKhel.com (official website).
Final Thoughts
This match is more than just a qualifier — it marks Nepal’s return to the competition after financial struggles kept them away in 2023. Though the challenge is tough against a strong Tajikistan side, the young Gorkhalis will be motivated to deliver a brave performance.