Bengaluru FC won 1-0 in the first leg of AFC Cup 2020 qualifiers at Changlimithang Stadium

Thinley Namgay

Paro FC will face Bengaluru FC 8pm BST today in the return leg of the second round Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Cup 2020 qualifiers at Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru, India.

Bengaluru FC, the champions of the Hero Indian Super League, struggled to defeat Paro FC at Changlimithang Stadium on February 5. Paro lost 0-1.

Paro FC’s head coach and technical director, Puspalal Sharma, said that the club had two rounds of training at Kanteerava Stadium and he was optimistic. “The climate is pleasant and the stadium is very comfortable.”

Paro FC has three players from Cameroon—Stephane Dang, Dieudone Fabassou, and Norbert Cedric Aba. The club also has a player from Sikkim, Kunal Tamang. All these players are expected to be in the first 11 today.

BFF Academy’s Tobden Drakpa will replace defender Kinley Tenzin.

“Kinley Tenzin is young and dedicated player. We had to register him with us, because we have no replacement in the wingbacks. He is becoming better from every game,” Puspalal Sharma said, adding that Kinley Tenzin could not join the team because of his commitment with Ugyen Academy FC.

There will be improvement in the defending field today consisting of Jigme Tshering Dorjee, Chencho and Tobden Drakpa.

Goalie Gyeltshen Zangpo, who was injured on January 30, will miss today’s game. Tobgay will replace Gyeltshen Zangpo.

Puspalal said that Tobgay performed well and was competent. “He is young and needs opportunity to play not just for the club, but also for the country.”

Bengaluru FC’s coach, Carles Caudrat, featured young players to give them opportunity in the first leg of the qualifiers. His game plan is expected to change.

Senior players like striker Sunil Chhetri and Udanta might feature in the first 11.