Kathmandu, Mar 12: In an earnest bid to gear up for the upcoming FIFA World Cup and AFC Asian Cup qualifiers, the Nepali national football team has been bid farewell as they set off for Malaysia to commence their preparation journey.

The farewell ceremony took place on Tuesday at the ANFA Complex Satdobato, where the ANFA president and officials extended their best wishes to the team. The national football squad is scheduled to depart for Malaysia on Wednesday, marking the beginning of their training phase before heading to Bahrain.

During the farewell event, ANFA also announced the inclusion of six new players in the team, reflecting a strategic approach towards bolstering the squad for the crucial qualifiers.

Head coach Vincenzo Alberto Enes expressed optimism about the team’s preparations, highlighting the significance of training in Malaysia to fine-tune their skills for the upcoming matches. Despite logistical challenges and the away fixture against Bahrain, Enes emphasized the importance of maintaining high morale and determination on the field.

The FIFA World Cup and AFC Asian Cup qualifiers between Nepal and Bahrain are set to take place in Bahrain as per the confirmed schedule. The first match is slated for March 8th, followed by the second match on March 13th at the Bahrain National Stadium.

The Nepali football fraternity remains hopeful and determined as they embark on this crucial journey, aiming to showcase their prowess and make significant strides towards qualifying for prestigious international tournaments.