Manjit out, Chand in:

KATHMANDU: Dhirendra Chand will be replacing Manjeet Shrestha in the 14-member squad that will take part in the ICC World Cup Qualifying Series Division 2 Cricket Tournament, to be held in Malaysia from February 21. Shrestha initially injured his thumb while playing in the Birendra Memorial National League Cricket Tournament in December, 2004. He later aggrevated the injury during a practice session. Doctors have suggested Manjit a three-week rest. — HNS

Jhapa, Kathmandu in final:

LALITPUR: Aajad Pradhan struck twice as Jhapa defeated Sunsari 4-0 and Kathmandu beat Dhankuta 6-5 in tie breaker and entered the final of the ANFA-Mayos Inter-school Football Tournament here today. For Jhapa, Bishal Rai and Binod Gurung also scored. In the other semi-final, Kathmandu beat Dhankuta in tie-breaker after both teams failed to break 1-1 deadlock. The final is slated for Saturday. — HNS

Japan drop Nakata:

TOKYO: Former Japan skipper Hidetoshi Nakata was dropped from his country’s home World Cup qualifier against North Korea next week, as coach Zico announced the squad without the Fiorentina midfielder. Nakata, twice Asian footballer of the year, has not represented Japan since March due to a groin injury and back pain. Japan’s first match in the last Asian round is slated for Wednesday against North Korea. — AP

Uganda suspend FUFA:

KAMPALA: Uganda’s national soccer gover-ning body has been suspended by the gover-nment pending a corruption investigation. Sports Minister Geraldine Bitama-zire took the action against all members of the Federation of Uganda Football Association (FUFA). Bitamazire cancelled the federat-ion’s elections and ordered the organisat-ion’s assets to be turned over to the NSC. — AP