Nepal national team caretaker coach Bal Gopal Maharjan said that his target in Bangabandhu gold cup is to defend the title but also admitted that opponent teams are stronger than last edition.

Nepal won the cup in 2016 beating Bahrain U23. This edition, Nepal are grouped with Tajikistan and Palestine.

"As a defending champion, your target needs to defend the title. We have the same target. But you have to accept that the teams are stronger this edition.

"First match against Tajikistan will be very important. We want to get points from them. Match against Palestine will be tough", said Maharjan.

He also said that team would cope up without Kiran chemjong and Rohit Chand. Chemjong plays in Maldives whereas Chand plays in Indonesia. Their clubs didn't release them for the tournament.

"We will cope up. They weren't there when we won the title last time. But you have to accept the fact that the opponents are stronger this edition. But we are ready", said Maharjan.

Former Nepal international Maharjan also put his views regarding foreign coach for Nepal.

"If you are bringing foreign coach, bring highly qualified one. Otherwise it doesn't make sense. We don't want foreign coaches with same level on us", he added.