Thinley Namgay   

Paro FC’ will face one of the top Maldivian clubs, Club Valencia, for the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Cup preliminary game at the Maldives National Football Stadium at 11 pm (BST) today.

The winner will face Bangladeshi’s club Abahani Ltd Dhaka. Club Valencia has been competing in the  AFC Cup since 2002.   It is the second time Paro FC is competing in the tournament.

The Tigers (Paro FC) landed in the Maldives on April 2. They have been on their international duty since March 28. Paro FC signed three international players from Cameroon to strengthen the attacking, midfield and defending line. Transport United FC’s striker Kinga Wangchuk was also hired for the tournament.

On their way to Maldives,  Paro FC played two friendly games against Sudeva Delhi FC’s home ground  on March 30 and April 1 in New Delhi, India. Paro snatched a win in the initial match 2-1, and the next match was won by the host 2-1.

Paro FC’s president Karma Jigme said: “It’s a big day for Paro FC and our fans. We have trained so hard despite Covid-19 restrictions. We also had acclimatisation training and friendly games  in Delhi. We have prepared so well. We will give our best.”

Acclimatisation training was carried out in the Maldives on April 3 and 4.

Paro FC’s striker Yeshi Dorji said the game would be challenging today, but the team is confident. “We are fully prepared.”