In today match of the AFC Challenge League, Nepal's Shahid Smarak A Division League champions, Church Boys United, will take on Bhutan’s league titleholders, Paro Football Club, today. The game is set to kick off at 6 PM at the historic Dasharath Stadium in Tripureshwar.
Despite a short three-week preparation period, Church Boys United enters the match with confidence. The club has bolstered its squad by bringing in key foreign players, including national team members Laken Limbu, Sanish Shrestha, and Ayush Ghalan. Head coach Bal Gopal Maharjan expressed optimism, stating that if the team plays to its full potential, they are well-positioned to secure a favorable outcome. In their build-up to this match, Church Boys tested their mettle in practice games against Tribhuvan Army Football Club and the Nepal U-20 team.
Captain Anant Tamang highlighted the team's readiness, both physically and mentally, drawing from their experience playing at the Dasharath Stadium, which he believes will be an advantage.
On the opposing side, Paro FC boasts an impressive lineup, including Japanese football legend Keisuke Honda, who brings with him the experience of competing in three World Cups. Despite the star power, Honda and his teammates are approaching the match without pressure, aiming to execute their game plan to perfection. Paro’s head coach, Pushpalal Sharma, expressed satisfaction with their preparations but voiced concerns about the stadium’s standards, suggesting that the conditions have posed challenges for his team since arriving in Nepal.
Sharma also acknowledged the strength of Church Boys United, equating them to Nepal’s national team, given the absence of a domestic league in Nepal and the presence of several national team players in their ranks. Paro FC has also significantly strengthened their squad, registering a total of 11 foreign players for this competition. Notably, this is not Paro’s first visit to Nepal; last year, they defeated Machhindra FC in the Cup Qualifiers.
For those looking to catch the action live, Church Boys United has set ticket prices at 500 rupees for VIP seats and 200 rupees for general admission. Fans can also purchase tickets online via the Pocket app.
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