Football: If there is one match that the Bhutanese wants to forget, it is the 15-0 drubbing by Qatar on September 3 earlier this year at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium in Doha.

The Dragon Boys hopes for a chance correct their mistakes against the Qataris in the last home match of the second round of the FIFA World Cup qualifiers at the Changlimithang stadium toady at 6pm.

Both the teams are optimistic about their chances. Qatar who is currently leading the Group C with 15 points, will try to retain their lead and, Bhutan will try to break the ice and register its first point on the scoreboard.

Bhutan national team’s striker, Chencho Gyeltshen, said that despite huge defeat against China five days ago and against Qatar in September, the team’s morale is still high. “We gave our 100 percent and we’ll continue playing our best till the last game,” he said. “It’s a different game and the result will also be different this time. Even if they win tomorrow, it wont be an easy win for them like the last time.”

Coach Pema added that the match tomorrow will be based more on the fitness of the players and, whatever maybe the outcome of the match, the team is ready and will be giving their 100 percent. “Win or lose, we’ll play like we played against Hong Kong at home,” he said.

Qatar had their first practice session yesterday at the Changlimithang stadium. During the press conference, coach Jose Daniel Carreno said that the main responsibility of the team is to win the three points at the end of the 90 minutes.

Referring to the weather conditions in Bhutan, the Uruguayan coach said that despite the different situation the team is hopeful to win the game. “We’ve to be flexible during the game and we understand all the circumstances behind the game,” he said. “Since the qualifiers began, we have taken all our matches seriously and tomorrow’s game wont be an exception. The players and the team will give their best tomorrow.”

Goalie Ahmed Soufiane said that since they are playing on the Bhutanese ground, the level of competition will be different compared to the last game between the two teams in Doha. “We respect the Bhutanese team for all their efforts and we are expecting they will show great level of competition tomorrow at the game,” he said. “However, we’re confident and hope to keep our wining streak in this qualification up and going.”

Younten Tshedup