Bhutan is eyeing a historic run in the final round of the AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers. With their next clash against Brunei on the 10th of next month, the Dragon Boys are back in training. They are determined to keep their dream alive after a stunning 2-nil win over Hong Kong in 2023.
The Bhutanese national team kicked off their training yesterday at the Changlimithang Stadium.
Under the guidance of head coach Atsushi Nakamura, the players will undergo two hours of intensive training every day until the end of this month.
Bhutan will travel to Brunei for their away match scheduled for the 10th of next month. 28 players are currently in training. Out of them, 23 will make the final squad for the upcoming match.
Among the hopefuls is 20-year-old midfielder Pema Zangpo from Samdrup Jongkhar. He
“We are preparing well here at home, and we will soon head to Bangladesh as part of our build-up to the Brunei match. We are excited and looking forward to the game. We are confident and hopeful of securing the best possible result.”
Also in the squad is 23-year-old centre defender Yeshi Gyeltshen from Paro. A national team player since last year, he also represents RTC FC.
“We are putting in our best efforts to prepare for the upcoming match against Brunei. It is a crucial game for us because a win will bring us closer to qualifying for the AFC Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia. We are committed to working hard and staying focused on our goal.”
Bhutan is placed in Group B alongside Lebanon, Yemen, and Brunei. In their opening match, Bhutan held Yemen to a goalless draw in March. Meanwhile, Brunei suffered a heavy 5-0 defeat against Lebanon.
In Group B, Lebanon currently leads the standings with three points. Bhutan and Yemen are tied with one point each, while Brunei sits at the bottom of the table.
“Our goal is to win the match against Brunei. This is football, and anything can happen, but we are determined to give it our best,” said Atsushi Nakamura, Head Coach, Bhutan.
The Dragon Boys will face Lebanon in October and Yemen in November. Bhutan will wrap up the qualifiers campaign with a home match against Brunei in March next year.
If qualified, Bhutan will get to compete in the AFC Asian Cup 2027 in Saudi Arabia. With momentum on their side and preparations underway, Dragon Boys are aiming to make history once again.
Karma Wangdi
Edited by Tandin Phuntsho
