KATHMANDU: Nepal’s national football team head coach Matt Ross has retained the same squad for the two upcoming AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifying matches against Vietnam.

The team announced on Sunday includes players who last played against Hong Kong.

Captain Kiran Kumar Limbu, Bishal Sunar, and Deep Karki will guard the goalposts.

The defensive line consists of Ananta Tamang, Sumit Shrestha, Suman Shrestha, Abhishek Limbu, Sanish Shrestha, Rohit Chand, and Bimal Pandey.

Midfield responsibilities will be handled by Mani Kumar Lama, Eric Bista, Laken Limbu, Kritishratna Chhunju, Yogesh Gurung, Rohan Karki, Manish Dangi, Kushal Deuba, and Ayush Ghalan.

The attacking line includes Gillepsejung Karki, Subas Thakuri Bam, Anjan Bista, and Dinesh Henjan.

Nepal will face Vietnam in two matches as part of the qualifiers.

The first match is scheduled for October 9 at Bin Duong Stadium, and the second on October 14 at Thong Nhat Stadium in Ho Chi Minh City.

Nepal had originally been slated to play the second match at home. However, Dasharath Stadium in Tripureshwar was deemed technically unfit, forcing Nepal to play the “home game” abroad.

Nepal is in Group F alongside Malaysia, Vietnam, and Laos.

After two matches, Nepal remains at the bottom of the group without any points.

These two games against Vietnam offer Nepal a chance for resurgence.

Coach Ross has emphasized continuity and team cohesion, signaling gradual improvement through stability in the squad.