Matt Ross appointed head coach of Nepali national football team
The All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) had opened applications for the head coach position on Sept 16, 2024, with a 15-day notice.
KATHMANDU: Australian coach Matt Ross is set to take charge of the Nepali national football team.
The All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) had opened applications for the head coach position on Sept 16, 2024, with a 15-day notice.
Over 400 candidates applied, from which ANFA’s technical committee shortlisted five for the final interview round, ultimately selecting Ross.
Ross has already arrived in Nepal and attended the Sabhapati Cup match at Dasharath Stadium on Thursday, where A Division League champions Church Boys United suffered a 3-0 defeat to Sankata Club, securing the latter’s spot in the semifinals.
According to ANFA sources, Ross holds a UEFA Pro License, though an official announcement is yet to be made.
ANFA has been without a permanent head coach since ending Italian Vincenzo Alberto Annese’s tenure in mid-2024, following Nepal’s 2-2 draw against Yemen in the World Cup/Asian Cup qualifiers.
In November, interim coach Navin Neupane managed the team in friendly matches in Dushanbe.
Nepal faced a 4-0 defeat against hosts Tajikistan but ended a 13-year drought against Afghanistan with a 2-0 victory.
The Nepali men’s team will compete in the 2025 SAFF Championship, the third round of Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers, and other international friendlies under Ross’s guidance.
