Machhindra eye victory over Bhutan’s Paro

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Aug. 8: Nepal’s Machhindra FC eye a victory over Bhutan’s Paro FC in the preliminary stage of the AFC Cup to be held at Dasharath Stadium in Tripureshwar on Tuesday evening.

In the pre-match conference held on Monday, Machindra's coach Kishore KC expressed his confidence in winning the match.“We have completed our preparation. My boys are ready to play against Paro. We are confident of securing victory.”

“As we lacked good strikers, we have added seven new faces. They will play in the required positions.” 

The runners-up of Martyr’s Memorial A Division League, Machhindra got the opportunity to participate in the AFC Cup after champions Church Boys United could not secure the AFC Club Licence. Machhindra, Tribhuvan Army FC and APF FC were the only three teams to get AFC Club Licence. 

Machhindra signed Ashish Chaudhary and Arik Bist of Church Boys along with Ayush Ghalan of Sankata, Laken Limbu of Three Star Club, Sanish Shrestha of APF and Rejin Subba and Mesuke Olomou of relegated FC Khumaltar. 

As the paperwork of Olomou has not been completed, his chance of playing on Tuesday is slim. 

“However, we have not underestimated the Bhutani league champions. They have three best foreign players. They are dependent on them. We will be looking to stop them,” Coach KC added.

Machindra's captain Bishal Shrestha also said that the team has become stronger after signing new players in positions where they are weak. “We have worked hard the past two weeks. We also want to raise the football craze by dishing out the best football.”

This is the second time the White Lions are representing Nepal in the AFC Cup. Machhindra played the preliminary round last year as well. But the journey could not go ahead after losing to Sri Lankan club Blue Star at home. This time, 

Similarly, the Coach of Paro Pushpalal Sharma said that his players are in good shape and well prepared to take Machhindra. 

“The league in Bhutan is undergoing. So the players are set and are in good shape. However, our opponent Machhindra is also a strong team. They are studded with national players. We will give a tough fight.” Coach Sharma said. 

Paro’s Captain Kinley Wanchuk said his team will play cautiously against Machhindra. “We will give our hundred per cent.”

The winner of the match between Machindra and Paro will play Indian Super League side Mohun Bagan in the second round on August 16.