Paro FC are preparing for another continental test as they chase a third consecutive AFC Challenge League group stage appearance. The reigning Bhutan Premier League champions will host Afghanistan’s Abu Muslim Farah FC in the preliminary stage on Tuesday at Changlimithang.
Paro FC have intensified preparations for the crucial encounter as they aim to qualify for the AFC Challenge League group stage for the third consecutive season at Woochu Sports Arena.
The reigning BoB Bhutan Premier League champions have strengthened their squad with ten international players, adding experience and depth ahead of the continental challenge.
Among them is 34-year-old Japanese midfielder Tomoyuki Hanazato, who has played professionally in Thailand, Cambodia and Mongolia.
“We know each other. We know what we can do. We know what we can achieve in the dressing room. I think everybody is focused on the next game against Abu Muslim. So, we all focus on winning the game. We always fight until the end of the game. That’s how we are going to play the next game. That’s our strength, I guess,” said Tomoyuki Hanazato, Midfielder, Paro FC.
The squad has 15 Bhutanese players, including captain and goalkeeper Gyeltshen Zangpo. The 28-year-old from Monggar has represented Bhutan in more than 15 international tournaments and remains a key figure for Paro FC.
“About the preparation for the AFC, it’s like it’s been going well so far. We are training hard to prepare to battle with Abu Muslim on 11th August,” said Gyeltshen Zangpo, Captain, Paro FC.
Head coach Pushpalal Sharma said the team has been preparing for the tournament for about four months, even before the start of the Bhutan Premier League season.
“I think physical preparation is very important for our players, like I told you, altitude plays a very important role. We have done good tactical preparation for the team, and now what we need is definitely the supporters in the stands. Once we have the supporters, I think we are a complete team,” said Pushpalal Sharma, Head Coach, Paro FC.
Their opponents, Abu Muslim Farah FC, won the Afghanistan Champions League title in the 2025/26 season. The two sides also met in last season’s preliminary stage, where Paro FC secured a one-nil victory.
“I think it’s very important to understand the playing style of the opponent team as well, the type of scouting that they have done and the type of recruitment that they have done for the match here at Changlimithang National Stadium on 11th of August. So we have analysed each individual; we have analysed them as a team, and we have also looked at the playing style of the coach, and then we have prepared accordingly,” said Pushpalal Sharma, Head Coach, Paro FC.
The AFC Challenge League 2026/27 Preliminary Stage features 18 clubs from South, Central and Southeast Asia. Only nine winners will advance to the group stage, which begins this month-end.
Karma Wangdi
Edited by Tandin Phuntsho
