KATHMANDU: Preparations for the SAFF Under-18 Championship have begun with the aim of clinching the title. The practice match is underway at the Youth Club in Jawalakhel. Chetnarayan Shrestha, a team coach, said the preparations are underway to clinch the title.

“We have been practicing for the last 10 days with a special focus on the striker,” said Shrestha, adding, “We want to grab the title at the home ground. The players are also enthusiastic.”

To be held in the ground of Armed Police Force, Halchowk, both the players and coach are hopeful of winning the title, taking the advantage of home ground.

The practice match had begun since August 4 with 46 players. Only 30 players have been called today, said Shrestha.

Defenders: Bishal Basnet, Randip Poudel, Padam Bhattarai, Ashim Gurung, Sujan Sharma, Nabin Gurung, Roshan Dong, Yubesh Thapa, Bishant Basnet, Alik Rumba, Anjan Maharjan, Raju Pandit, Bishal Shahi.

Midfielders: Sishir Lekhi, Dipesh Gurung, Roshan Rana Magar, Rajan Pun, Akash Buda Magar, Rejin Majhi, Sanjeev Lama, Jaya Gurung, Manish Thapa, Kushal Phuyal, Aadit Gurung, Shyamu Murmu, Sanju Shrestha, Nitin Thapa, Samrat Sunuwar, Rohan Karki, Mausam Subba.

Forwards: Brijesh Chaudhary, Sachu Gurung, Niraj Chaudhary, Kailash Lamichhane, Karlosh Bakhariya, Darshan Gurung, Abhishek Shrestha, Sanju Sen, Kritis Ratna Chhanju, Manish Dangi.

Goalkeepers: Bishal Sunar, Rohit Karki, Surya Adhikari, Pujan Hona, Nishan Khadka, Aakash Ranabhat