AFC Challenge Cup 2014: AFC Confirms Northern Mariana Islands in AFC Challenge Cup 2014

Asian Football confederation (AFC) said that The Northern Mariana Islands is one of 20 nations confirmed to be participating member associations who had expressed their interest to take part before the deadline of 7 September 2012. 
The other participants are Afghanistan, Brunei DS, Cambodia, Chinese Taipei, Guam, India, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Macau, Maldives, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Palestine, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan.

DPR Korea, the 2010 edition winners, were again the champions this year after beating Turkmenistan 2-1 in March in Nepal while the Philippines defeated Palestine 4-3 to emerge third place winners.
The AFC Challenge Cup is the pathway for the champions to gain a qualification to the top continental championship, the AFC Asian Cup.
Meanwhile, AFC will decide the venue for AFC Challenge cup this week. Maldives & Phillipines are shortlisted for receiving the hosting rights.