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Nepal national football team facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
This page is about the men's team. For the women's team, see Nepal women's national football team.
Quick facts for kids
Nepal
Shirt badge/Association crest
Nickname(s) The Gorkhalis
Association All Nepal Football Association (ANFA)
Confederation AFC (Asia)
Sub-confederation SAFF (South Asia)
Head coach Matt Ross
Captain Kiran Chemjong
Most caps Kiran Chemjong (107)
Top scorer Ganesh Thapa (14)
Home stadium Dasharath Stadium
FIFA code NEP
First colours
Second colours
FIFA ranking
Current 161 Steady (7 February 2019)
Highest 124 (December 1993 – February 1994)
Lowest 196 (January 2016)
Elo ranking
Current 201 Increase 1 (3 March 2019)
Highest 168 (23 November 1987)
Lowest 210 (1 May 1999)
First international
 China 6–2 Nepal   
(Beijing, China; 13 October 1972)
Biggest win
   Nepal 7–0 Bhutan 
(Kathmandu, Nepal; 26 September 1999)
Biggest defeat
 South Korea 16–0 Nepal   
(Incheon, South Korea; 29 September 2003)
SAFF Championship
Appearances 13 (first in 1993)
Best result Runners-up (2021)
AFC Solidarity Cup
Appearances 1 (first in 2016)
Best result Champions (2016)
AFC Challenge Cup
Appearances 3 (first in 2006)
Best result Semi-finals (2006)

The Nepal national football team represents Nepal in international men's football. The team is managed by the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA). They are part of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC). The Nepali team plays its home games at Dasharath Stadium in Kathmandu.

Team History

Early Days of Nepali Football (1921–1993)

Football became a popular sport in Nepal as early as 1921. Many clubs were formed. Tournaments like the Ram Janaki Cup (1934) and the Tribhuvan Challenge Shield (1948) were held. In 1951, the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) was created. This led to the formation of the Nepal national football team.

First International Matches (1963–1970)

In 1963, Nepal played its first international away game. This was in the Aga Khan Gold Cup in Dhaka, which is now Bangladesh. Nepal lost its first two matches 0–7. But in their final game, Nepal won 1–0 against Dhaka Police Club. Prakash Bikram Shah scored Nepal's first goal on foreign soil.

Joining FIFA and Early Success (1970–1999)

Nepal joined FIFA in 1970 and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) in 1972. Their first official international match was on October 13, 1972. They lost 2–6 to China. Y.B Ghale scored Nepal's first goal in a FIFA-recognized tournament in 1982.

1984 South Asian Games gold medal winning Nepal football team
Nepal's national team won gold at the 1984 South Asian Games.

FIFA helped Nepal's football grow by providing money and coaches. This led to a youth program to find young talented players. Many players from this program joined the national team. Nepal won two gold medals in the South Asian Games in 1984 and 1993. They also won the Governor's Gold Cup in 1997 and 1998. In 1993, they finished third in the first SAFF Championship.

Challenges and Comeback (2000–Present)

From 2001 to 2003, Nepal's football faced problems within its association. This led to a ban, meaning Nepal could not play in some events. This caused their world ranking to drop. In January 2003, Nepal played its 100th international match against Bangladesh.

In 2003, Nepal had some very tough losses in the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers. They lost one match 0–16 to South Korea. However, in the 2002 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, Nepal showed great spirit. They won two matches against Macao and Iraq, scoring 13 goals.

Nepal national football team at the 2021 SAFF Championship final
Nepal's team playing against India in the 2021 SAFF Championship final.

After 2010, Nepal's football started to improve. They won three major tournaments in 2016: the Bangabandhu Cup, the AFC Solidarity Cup, and a gold medal at the 2016 South Asian Games. Nepal did not lose any matches in 2016.

In the 2019 AFC Asian Cup qualification, Nepal had two draws against stronger teams, Philippines and Yemen. However, they did not qualify for the main tournament. In the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification, Nepal won one game against Chinese Taipei.

Nepal reached the final of the 2021 SAFF Championship, but lost 0–3 to India. In October 2023, Nepal won against Laos in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification first round. This win helped them move to the second round. However, in March 2024, Nepal lost to Bahrain, which meant they could not go further in the World Cup qualifiers.

Home Ground

The main home stadium for the Nepal national team is Dasarath Rangasala Stadium. It is a large stadium in Kathmandu, Nepal. It can hold 15,000 fans. It is the biggest stadium in Nepal. The stadium is named after Dashrath Chand, a national hero.

Dasarath Stadium during 2022 SAFF Women's Championship Final match
Dasarath Rangasala Stadium

The stadium has hosted important events like the 2012 AFC Challenge Cup and the 2013 SAFF Championship. It is also used for music concerts. Before the 2013 SAFF Championship, the stadium was improved. Its seating capacity was increased. Nepal also has other stadiums, like the Pokhara football stadium, built in 2021.

Team Kits

The national team's uniform uses the colors red, blue, and white. These colors are from the national flag of Nepal. Red is usually for home games, and blue is for away games. Some kits even have patterns that look like the triangular shape of the Nepali flag.

Nepal's kits are often standard designs. This is because the team is not big enough to have special deals with kit makers. In 2019, ANFA showed two new jerseys with the ANFA logo and a picture of Mount Everest. In 2021, KTM CTY became the new kit sponsor.

Kit Suppliers

Kit Provider Period
Thailand Grand Sport 1987–1993
England Admiral 1993–1997
Thailand FBT 1997–1998
Argentina Topper 1998–2000
Germany Adidas 2000–2001
Nepal In-House 2001–2004
China Mesuca 2004–2005
Germany Adidas 2005–2018
Spain Kelme 2018–2021
Nepal KTM CTY 2021–2024
Spain Kelme 2024–present

Nepal Red & Nepal Blue Teams

Sometimes, the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) would enter two teams for Nepal in the ANFA Cup. These were called Nepal Red and Nepal Blue. Nepal Red was the main national team, with the best players. Nepal Blue was like a second team.

Recent Matches

Main article: Nepal national football team results (2020–present)
See also: Nepal national football team results

Here are the results from the last year and upcoming matches.       Win       Draw       Loss       Fixture

2025 Matches

21 March Friendly Singapore  0–1    Nepal Kallang, Singapore
20:30 UTC+8
  • Karki Goal 12'
 Stadium: National Stadium
Referee: Yusuke Ohashi (Japan)
25 March 2027 ACQ R3 Malaysia  2–0    Nepal Johor, Malaysia
22:00 UTC+8
  • Hevel Goal 29'
  • Ong Goal 71'
 Stadium: Sultan Ibrahim Stadium
Attendance: 7,895
Referee: Hiroki Kasahara (Japan)
5 June Friendly Hong Kong  0–0    Nepal Kowloon, Hong Kong
20:00 UTC+8 Stadium: Hong Kong Stadium
Attendance: 6,092
Referee: Wiwat Jumpaoon (Thailand)
10 June 2027 ACQ R3 Laos  2–1    Nepal Vientiane, Laos
19:00 UTC+7
  • Thongkhamsavath Goal 13'
  • Phanthavong Goal 49'
  • Dangi Goal 73' (pen.)
 Stadium: New Laos National Stadium
Attendance: 5,123
Referee: Nivon Robesh (Sri Lanka)
6 September Friendly Nepal    v  Bangladesh Kathmandu, Nepal
Stadium: Dasharath Rangasala
9 September Friendly Nepal    v  Bangladesh Kathmandu, Nepal
Stadium: Dasharath Rangasala
9 October 2027 ACQ R3 Vietnam  v    Nepal Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
--:-- UTC+7 Stadium: Gò Đậu Stadium
14 October 2027 ACQ R3 Nepal    v  Vietnam Kathmandu, Nepal
--:-- UTC+5:45 Stadium: Dasharath Rangasala
18 November 2027 ACQ R3 Nepal    v  Malaysia Kathmandu, Nepal
--:-- UTC+5:45 Stadium: Dasharath Rangasala

2026 Matches

31 March 2027 ACQ R3 Nepal    v  Laos Kathmandu, Nepal
--:-- UTC+5:45 Stadium: Dasharath Rangasala

Coaching Staff

As of 20 March 2025

Position Name
Team Manager Nepal Nakul Hamal Thakuri
Nepal Ramesh Kumar Karki
Head Coach Australia Matt Ross
Assistant Coach Nepal Salyan Khadgi
Technical Analyst Australia Lindsay David Henderson
Goalkeeping Coach Nepal Binod Maharjan
Physiotherapist Nepal Nishant Joshi
Team Doctor Nepal Raju Dangol Maharjan
Team Official Nepal Bijay Kumar Gupta
Media Manager Nepal Krishna Singh Lothyal

Players

Current Squad

The following 23 players were chosen for matches against Hong Kong and Laos.

Caps (games played) and goals are correct as of March 25, 2025, after the game against Hong Kong.

No. Pos. Player Date of birth (age) Caps Goals Club
1 1GK Bishal Sunar (2002-02-09) 9 February 2002 (age 23) 1 0 Nepal Friends
16 1GK Kiran Chemjong (captain) (1990-03-20) 20 March 1990 (age 35) 107 0 Free Agent
22 1GK Deep Karki (1998-01-09) 9 January 1998 (age 27) 5 0 Nepal Sankata
2 2DF Sanish Shrestha (2000-11-09) 9 November 2000 (age 24) 22 0 Nepal Machhindra
3 2DF Suman Shrestha (1999-09-05) 5 September 1999 (age 25) 3 0 Nepal APF FC
4 2DF Ananta Tamang (1998-01-17) 17 January 1998 (age 27) 67 4 Nepal Church Boys United
5 2DF Bimal Panday (1990-01-21) 21 January 1990 (age 35) 7 0 Nepal Nepal Army
12 2DF Sumit Shrestha (2004-01-30) 30 January 2004 (age 21) 5 0 Nepal New Road Team
13 2DF Abishek Limbu (1999-08-21) 21 August 1999 (age 26) 3 0 Nepal New Road Team
23 2DF Rohit Chand (1992-03-01) 1 March 1992 (age 33) 97 1 Indonesia Persik Kediri
6 3MF Yogesh Gurung (2002-03-17) 17 March 2002 (age 23) 2 0 Nepal Lalitpur City
8 3MF Arik Bista (2000-03-17) 17 March 2000 (age 25) 29 0 Nepal Church Boys United
9 3MF Rohan Karki (2002-09-21) 21 September 2002 (age 22) 4 0 Nepal Church Boys United
10 3MF Laken Limbu (2002-07-24) 24 July 2002 (age 23) 16 0 Cambodia Kirivong Sok Sen Chey
15 3MF Kritish Ratna Chhunju (2003-04-11) 11 April 2003 (age 22) 0 0 Nepal New Road Team
17 3MF Kushal Deuba (2006-11-10) 10 November 2006 (age 18) 0 0 Nepal Lalitpur City
19 3MF Ayush Ghalan (2004-02-21) 21 February 2004 (age 21) 31 2 Nepal Machhindra
20 3MF Mani Kumar Lama (1996-03-24) 24 March 1996 (age 29) 9 0 Nepal APF FC
21 3MF Manish Dangi (2001-09-17) 17 September 2001 (age 23) 38 4 Nepal Machhindra
7 4FW Gillespye Jung Karki (1998-11-19) 19 November 1998 (age 26) 15 3 Nepal Nepal Army
11 4FW Subash Bam Thakuri (2008-09-05) 5 September 2008 (age 16) 1 0 Philippines Siniloan Lions
14 4FW Anjan Bista (1998-05-15) 15 May 1998 (age 27) 70 13 Nepal Chitwan
27 4FW Spandan Nepal (2010-09-19) 19 September 2010 (age 14) 1 0 Nepal Chitwan

Recent Call-ups

These players have been called up to a Nepal squad in the last 12 months.


Pos. Player Date of birth (age) Caps Goals Club Latest call-up
GK Abishek Baral (2000-04-09) 9 April 2000 (age 25) 0 0 Nepal Kathmandu Rayzrs v.  Singapore; 2 March 2025 PRE
GK Anjal Shrestha (2000-12-01) 1 December 2000 (age 24) 0 0 Nepal APF FC v.  Malaysia; 25 March 2025
DF Randip Paudel (2002-10-06) 6 October 2002 (age 22) 1 0 Nepal New Road Team v.  Malaysia; 25 March 2025
DF Anjan Rai (1994-12-15) 15 December 1994 (age 30) 1 0 Nepal Kathmandu Rayzrs v.  Singapore; 2 March 2025 PRE
DF Chhiring Lama (2002-04-07) 7 April 2002 (age 23) 7 0 Nepal Church Boys United v.  Singapore; 2 March 2025 PRE
DF Ashok Khawas (1996-03-14) 14 March 1996 (age 29) 0 0 Nepal Three Star v.  Singapore; 2 March 2025 PRE
DF Aashish Gurung 0 0 Nepal Sahara v.  Singapore; 2 March 2025 PRE
DF Abhishek Waiba 0 0 Nepal v.  Afghanistan; 16 November 2024
DF Anjal Maharjan (2002-02-02) 2 February 2002 (age 23) 0 0 Nepal Pokhara Thunders v.  Afghanistan; 16 November 2024
DF Saubhagya Rai (1997-06-23) 23 June 1997 (age 28) 4 0 Nepal Pokhara Thunders v.  Yemen; 11 June 2024
DF Bishal Basnet (2002-04-29) 29 April 2002 (age 23) 3 0 Nepal Khumaltar v.  Yemen; 11 June 2024
MF Bharat Khawas (1991-07-22) 22 July 1991 (age 34) 64 10 Nepal Nepal Army v.  Malaysia; 25 March 2025
MF Utsav Rai (2003-11-29) 29 November 2003 (age 21) 8 0 Nepal Chitwan v.  Afghanistan; 16 November 2024
MF Arbind Rai 0 0 Nepal v.  Afghanistan; 16 November 2024
MF Basnat Jimba (2000-06-20) 20 June 2000 (age 25) 1 0 Nepal Tribhuwan Army Club v.  Yemen; 11 June 2024
MF Aashish Rai (2003-02-24) 24 February 2003 (age 22) 0 0 Nepal New Road Team v.  Yemen; 11 June 2024
FW Hisub Thapaliya (1999-01-16) 16 January 1999 (age 26) 9 0 Nepal Kathmandu Rayzrs v.  Yemen; 11 June 2024
FW Sanjeeb Bista (2002-02-17) 17 February 2002 (age 23) 4 1 Nepal Pokhara Thunders v.  Yemen; 11 June 2024
FW Aashik Babu Chaudhary (2001-02-26) 26 February 2001 (age 24) 0 0 Nepal Tribhuwan Army Club v.  Yemen; 11 June 2024
FW Rejin Subba (2002-02-05) 5 February 2002 (age 23) 1 0 Nepal Machhindra v.  Malaysia; 25 March 2025
FW Dinesh Henjan (2001-02-03) 3 February 2001 (age 24) 6 0 Nepal Lalitpur City v.  Singapore; 2 March 2025 PRE
FW Samir Tamang (2006-01-01) 1 January 2006 (age 19) 1 0 Free agent v.  Singapore; 2 March 2025 PRE
FW Nirajan Dhami (2005-06-02) 2 June 2005 (age 20) 1 0 Nepal Butwal Lumbini v.  Singapore; 2 March 2025 PRE
Notes
  • INJ = Withdrew due to injury.
  • PRE = Preliminary squad / standby.
  • RET = Retired from the national team.
  • SUS = Serving suspension.
  • WD = Player withdrew from the squad due to non-injury issue.

Player Records

See also: Category:Nepal men's international footballers

Players in bold are still active with Nepal.

Most Games Played

Kiran Chemjong by @SubasTheOne
Kiran Chemjong has played the most games for Nepal, with 107 appearances.
Rank Player Caps Goals Career
1 Kiran Chemjong 107 0 2008–present
2 Rohit Chand 97 1 2009–present
3 Raju Kaji Shakya 91 0 1982–1997
4 Biraj Maharjan 76 1 2008–2021
5 Anjan Bista 70 13 2014–present
6 Sagar Thapa 66 1 2003–2015
Ananta Tamang 67 4 2015–present
7 Bharat Khawas 64 10 2008–present
8 Nawayug Shrestha 54 10 2015–present
9 Anil Gurung 53 10 2007–2017
Ju Manu Rai 53 11 2006–2015
Sandip Rai 53 4 2008–2015

Top Goal Scorers

Rank Player Goals Caps Ratio Career
1 Ganesh Thapa 14 36 0.39 1979–1989
2 Nirajan Rayamajhi 13 21 0.62 2000–2008
Hari Khadka 13 39 0.33 1995–2006
Anjan Bista 13 70 0.19 2014–present
5 Ju Manu Rai 11 53 0.21 2006–2015
6 Anil Gurung 10 53 0.19 2007–2017
Nawayug Shrestha 10 54 0.19 2015–present
Bharat Khawas 10 64 0.16 2008–present
9 Bimal Gharti Magar 9 44 0.2 2012–present
10 Basanta Thapa 8 34 0.24 1998–2006

Team Achievements

     Champion       Runners-up       Third place        Fourth place  

Continental Titles

  • AFC Solidarity Cup
    • 1 Champions (1): 2016

Regional Titles

  • South Asian Games
    • 1 Gold medal (2): 1984, 1993
    • 2 Silver medal (2): 1987, 1999
    • 3 Bronze medal (1): 1985
  • SAFF Championship
    • 2 Runners-up (1): 2021
    • 3 Third place (1): 1993

Friendly Tournament Wins

  • ANFA Cup (2): 1987, 2009
  • Governor's Gold Cup (2): 1997, 1998
  • Bangabandhu Cup (1): 2016
  • Three Nations Cup (1): 2021
  • Prime Minister's Three Nations Cup (1): 2023

Awards

  • SAFF Championship Fair Play Award (2): 2013, 2023

Summary of Official Honours

These are the official titles recognized by FIFA or its related football groups.

Senior Competition 1 2 3 Total
AFC Solidarity Cup 1 0 0 1
Total 1 0 0 1

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Selección de fútbol de Nepal para niños

  • All Nepal Football Association
  • Nepal national under-23 football team
  • Nepal women's national football team
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