Kathmandu, Aug. 15 -- The All Nepal Football Association, on Friday, announced a 23-member squad participating in the AFC U23 Asian Cup Qualifiers.

Of the 44 teams divided into 11 groups of four each, Tajikistan are hosting Nepal, Syria and the Philippines for the fixtures of Group K.

Nepal have never qualified for the U23 Asian Cup and are aiming for their maiden berth in the tournament.

Nepal will face Tajikistan on September 3, Syria on September 6, and the Philippines on September 9. All the games will be played at the Dushanbe-based Pamir Stadium.

A total of 16 teams will play in the Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia, who have already qualified as the hosts, in January next year.

Of the 15 remaining slots, 11 will be filled by the winne...