Paro FC defeats Church Boys 2-1

KATHMANDU: Paro FC of Bhutan has qualified for the group stage of the AFC Challenge League.

In the qualifier held on the muddy turf of Dasharath Stadium in Kathmandu on Tuesday, the Bhutanese league champion defeated Church Boys United of Nepal 2-1.

Church Boys United took the lead in the game as Laken Limbu tapped in Moses Twum’s header in the 39th minute of the match. However, the hosts failed to protect the lead and conceded an equalizer in the next minute.

Kinga Wangchuk scored into an empty net after Church Boys’ keeper Deep Karki punched the ball into his path.

The first half ended in a 1-1 draw.

Paro FC’s foreign recruit, Opoku William, scored in the 67th minute to give the Bhutanese side a 2-1 lead. Paro FC protected the lead to disappoint the home crowd and qualify for the group stage of the continental tournament.

Paro FC had conceded a 2-3 draw against Machhindra FC in the group stage last year.