Kathmandu, August 9
Machhindra FC have qualified for the second preliminary round of the AFC Cup after beating Paro FC from Bhutan in the first preliminary round 3-2.
In what was a tightly contested game, Machhindra FC did not start the game well going behind in the seventh minute through an own goal from goalkeeper Bishal Shrestha. But the team rallied as Bimal Gharti Magar, Ayush Ghalan and Afeez Olawale Oladipo scored three quick goals giving Machhindra FC a comfortable lead heading to halftime.
It looked like it was going to be an easy win but Paro FC started the second half better controlling the game and putting pressure on Machhindra FC who looked tired in the last quarter of the game.
Paro FC’s best player on the evening Evans Asante scored to give the Bhutanese club hope. Things would have been different had Bishal Shrestha not saved an effort in the dying minutes to give the white lions the win.
Machhindra FC will now take on Mohun Bagan Super Giant in the second preliminary round of the AFC Cup in Kolkatta on August 16.
The match will be a one-off knockout game and will be held at Salt Lake Stadium.
The winner of the match will reach the AFC Cup 2023 Playoff Qualifier stages.
