Football: Druk United FC will play Mongolia and Pakistan when Bhutan hosts its first AFC Cup Playoff Qualifiers for Group-A from August 11 to 15 at the Changlimithang stadium in Thimphu.
As the winner of last year’s national league, Druk United got into the Kings Cup 2014 and will join 2016 AFC CUP Qualifiers.
Druk United FC arranged to host the playoff qualifiers in Bhutan with support from Bhutan Football Federation (BFF) to promote football in the country.
United’s manager Tara Bir Rai said that the opportunity will provide exposure to the local players.
Although most of the united players now play for other clubs in the on-going Bank of Bhutan National League, the club has assembled its former players for the big match. “As a team, we have played only a few friendly games, but we’re already in sync with each others’ game play,” said the captain Tshering Dendup.
Tara Bir Rai said that the elite team’s players are all in good form. “I’m confident and we hope to win this group and qualify into the next round.”
Players have been undergoing vigorous training with their respective clubs for the on-going BOB National League. “The national league and the world cup qualifiers have helped the players stay in form,” said Tara Bir Rai.
“Football in Bhutan has achieved enormous success in the recent years. And clubs will help promote the game in the coming years. We need to have more clubs and encourage youth to take part in the game,” said Tara Bir Rai.
Druk United FC was formed in 2009. It is one of the top clubs in the country today.
Druk United FC will take on K-Electric FC of Pakistan in the opening game of the qualifiers on August 11 at 6pm.
Mongolia’s Khoromkhon FC will play K-Electric FC on August 13 and the final match will see United take on Khoromkhon FC on August 15.
A total of six countries are taking part in the playoff. Only two countries will go into the next round to qualify for the 2016 ACF Cup.
Tickets for the match are available at Nu 200.
By Younten Tshedup

Advertisement