The All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) has published the names of 20 players that will compete in the first edition of AFC Challenge Cup 2006 to be held in Dhaka and Chittagong, Bangladesh from April 1-16.

According to an ANFA press release, Yougal Kishor Rai, Man Sajan Rajbhandari and Sanjeev Budhathoki have been left out of the squad. The head coach opted to take three goalkeepers-Bikash Malla, Ritesh Thapa and former national goalie Surendra Lal Shrestha.

Four new faces have been included while three defenders-Janak Singh, Rakesh Shrestha and Pralaya Rajbhandari and goalie Upendra Man Singh have not been listed due to injuries and retirement. Striker Jumanu Rai, who is also a U-23 member, has been included in the list for the first time.

Star Basanta Thapa was again called from Japan to play in AFC Challenge Cup. Earlier, he was called for SAFF Championship in December 2005.

Shyam Thapa is the head coach while Maheshowr Mulmi and Dhruba KC are his assistants. Lalit Krishna Shrestha is the team manager while Dhirendra Pradhan is acting team leader.

Goal Keepers:
Bikash Malla (MMC), Ritesh Thapa (MPC), Surendra Lal Shrestha (NRT)

Defense:
Sagar Thapa (MMC), Tashi Tsering (MMC), Nabin Neupane (MMC), Lok Bandu Gurung (NTSC), Anjan KC (NTSC), Ram Kumar Biswash (TAC), Suman Subedi (MPC)

Mid Field:
Vishan Gauchan (NTSC), Bijaya Gurung (NTSC), Rajesh Shahi (NTSC), Raju Tamang (TAC)

Forward:
Hari Khadka (MPC), Ramesh Budhathoki (MPC), Jumanu Rai (MPC), Pradeep Maharjan (NTSC), Surendra Tamang (NTSC), Basanta Thapa (MMC).