Paro FC is currently leading the race in the Preliminary Round One of the South Asian Zone qualifiers for the 2020 Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Cup with away goals advantage in hand. The first leg played yesterday saw Paro FC and Defenders FC settling for a 3-3 draw.
As the first leg of the qualifiers was played at the Race Course International Stadium in Colombo, Sri Lanka yesterday, the host team, Defenders FC had their noses in front as they shocked Paro FC with an early goal in the 4th minute of the game. However, Paro FC equalized just eight minutes later through a debut goal from their new forward, Fabassou. Paro FC further added on to the home team’s dismay as Fabassou scored yet again through a well-taken free-kick. However, the goal was disallowed for offside.
With the motive to regain the lead, Defenders FC came in very close several times with quick counter-attacks but failed to convert. On the other hand, Paro FC began to gain momentum to the game with good ball possession. Taking advantage of which, Chencho Gyeltshen gave his side the much-needed lead with a goal in the 24th minute.
But, Paro FC could not hold on for long as Defenders FC made it all square in the 36th minute. And just when everyone thought the first half ended 2-2, Paro FC bounced back into the game yet again with a late goal in the added times of the first 45th minute.
Defenders FC made every effort to make their comeback to the game by frequently getting into the boxes in the second half. Their hard work was finally paid off in the 63rd minute as they equalized yet again.
Despite the good performance by both the side, the match ended undecided with a scoreline of 3-3. With the result, Paro FC is currently leading the race considering the away goal advantage.
Meanwhile, Defenders FC has a mountain to climb in Bhutan as they have to win the second leg or draw it with not less than 4-goal margin to qualify for the 2nd round.
Paro FC will host Defenders FC for the second leg of the qualifiers at the Changlimithang National Stadium, next week. The winner of the two-legged tie will then face the Champions of the Hero Indian Super League, Bengaluru FC in the preliminary round two next month.
Passang Dorji
