In a shocking upset, Nepal’s Church Boys United suffered a 2-1 defeat to Bhutan’s Paro FC in the AFC Challenge Cup playoff. The match, played under challenging conditions at a waterlogged Dasharath Stadium, saw Church Boys take an early lead only to be overturned by a resilient Paro side.
Laken Limbu’s early goal put the home team in control, but Paro fought back with strikes from Kinga Wangchuk and William Opoku to secure a historic victory. This marks the first time a Bhutanese club has defeated a Nepali side at the senior level.
The match was a physical battle due to the slippery pitch, with both teams struggling to maintain possession. Paro had several close calls in the first half, with shots hitting the woodwork twice. Church Boys managed to break the deadlock through Limbu, but Paro responded swiftly through Wangchuk.
The second half saw a more open game, with both teams creating chances. Opoku’s decisive goal proved to be the difference, despite a late surge from Church Boys.
The result is a significant setback for Nepali football, with Church Boys eliminated from the AFC Challenge League. Paro, on the other hand, advances to the group stage, marking a monumental achievement for Bhutanese football.
