Church Boys facing Paro FC in the AFC Challenge Cup playoffs today

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Aug. 13: The Nepali league champion, Church Boys United, and the Bhutani league champion, Paro Football Club, are logging their heads in the playoff of the AFC Challenge League at Dasharath Rangashala in Kathmandu on Tuesday evening. 

Both teams have expressed confidence in giving their best for the win. 

During the pre-match conference held on the eve of the match, the local team Church Boys stated that the club is prepared to face Bhutan’s club. Church Boys started their training three weeks ago, recruiting national team players. Coach Bal Gopal Maharjan believes that by giving their best effort, the club could achieve positive outcomes. He mentioned that tune-up matches against Tribhuvan Army Club and the U20 team helped him make the right combination of players. 

Although the club could not have official training at the Dashrath Rangashala, its captain Ananta Tamang is not bothered about it. He expressed confidence, saying, “We have plenty of experience playing on our home ground. So, it does not matter. Moreover, we are physically and mentally prepared for Tuesday’s clash.”

Bhutan’s league champion has strengthened itself by recruiting eleven foreign players, including five Japanese players. Japan’s former star footballer Keisuke Honda, who has played the World Cup three times, is at the centre of the Bhutani club. They also have two Serbian, three Ghanaian and one Montenegrin player. 

The Nepali players, however, are not intimidated. Captain Tamang said that his club mostly relies on local players. Church Boys have three foreign players. “This time we believe in our local players. We will be utilizing our foreign recruits according to their position,” Coach Maharjan said. He also acknowledged the advantage of the Bhutani Club with a large number of foreign players.

His counterpart Pushpalal Sharma said Paro’s preparation has been very effective. However, he criticised the condition of the ground. “Though we have world-class players, the ground condition will be affecting the performance.”

“Apart from that team combination is important. Honda is a world-class player. William Opoki has experience playing in Nepal. They have a lot of experience.”

He, however, said facing Church Boys, with many national players, is like facing Nepal’s national side. “It could pose a threat against us.”

Paro Captain Kinley Wangchuk said they will be exploiting their second Nepal visit. “We are a hundred per cent ready. We will bring better results than last year.” Last year, Paro went down against Nepal’s Machhindra FC by a 3-2 margin.