Nepal face a stern test from the defending champions Iraq when the Group ‘D’ matches of the AFC U-16 Championship Qualifiers kicks off here at the APF headquarters grounds in Halchowk on Wednesday.

The hosts take on the holders after India open the Qualifiers earlier with a match against Palestine. Only the group winners in the four-team pool qualify for the finals to be held next year in Malaysia. Stakes are high as the five-best runners-up from 10 groups will also make it to the finals. In all 45 teams are battling for places in the finals.

Nepal had earned qualification in the last two editions in 2014 and 2016 but was kicked out of the finals the last time around for fielding over-aged players. Nepal had played in the finals in 2002 and 2004. Unlike Nepal, heavyweight Iraq have qualified for the finals on nine occasions. Iraq coach Ali Hadi made his intention very clear saying they want to defend the title and not just win the qualifying group. “We have been preparing for the last five months for his tournament and look the retain the title,” said Hadi. “All the opponents in the group are very strong and we will pay due respect to them. Nepal are a strong team and we will do everything to win the match.”

Nepal coach Sunil Shrestha also said his priority was to book a ticket to the finals. “We have prepared well for the Qualifiers and we will go for three points,” said Shrestha who made four changes in the squad that played the Saff U-15 Championship a month ago in Kathmandu. The academy team of Nepal had finished runner-up behind champions India in Saff U-15 Championship.

“We made the changes owing to injuries to our regular players but the replacements are equally capable,” said Shrestha. “However, the first match will always be crucial as it sets the tone for the games ahead. We will leave no stone unturned to get the results in our favour,” said Shrestha adding that his team will rely on short passes and build up from behind against the physically superior opponents.

Nepal captain Roshan Rana Magar said they have worked really hard for the tournament. “We have a good team coordination and hope to qualify for the finals,” said Rana Magar.

Palestine coach Yahay Assi Jalayaja claimed his side as the tournament favourites. “We came here after preparation matches in Jordan and hope to earn a place for the finals,” Jalayaja said. Asked about the other teams in the pool, Jalayaja said: “Iraq have strong history in the competitions while Nepal and India are making rapid developments. India are very strong but we still go for all three points against them.”

Jalayaja’s Indian counterpart Bibiano Fernendes, who oversaw two weeks training camp in Qatar before arriving to Nepal, said that Saff U-15 Championship and the AFC Qualifiers were different events. “The Qualifiers is a different challenge, but the team is ready for it.”

Today’s fixtures

India vs Palestine (1200 NST)

Nepal vs Iraq (1530 NST)

(Both matches at Halchowk grounds)