KATHMANDU, Aug 13: Nepali league champions Church Boys United will face Bhutanese team Paro FC in the playoffs of the AFC Challenge League today. The match is set to kick off at 6 PM at Dashrath Stadium in Tripureshwor, Kathmandu.

Led by captain Ananta Tamang, Church Boys United will go up against a strong Paro FC squad, captained by Kinley Wangchuk. Paro FC’s lineup includes 11 foreign players, notably Japanese star Keisuke Honda, a three-time World Cup veteran, presenting a formidable challenge for the Nepali side.

Despite the tough competition, Church Boys United boasts several members of the Nepali national team, offering fans a preview of the national squad in action.

In their last appearance at Dashrath Stadium, Paro FC lost 2-3 to Machhindra Club in the first round of the AFC Cup. As Paro FC currently leads their league in Bhutan, they have strengthened their squad with five new recruits from Japan, Europe, and Africa.

The group stage matches for the AFC Challenge League are scheduled for October 26 and November 2, following a ‘home and away’ format. Church Boys United has been preparing intensively for this competition, with coach Balgopal Maharjan confident that the team's synergy, especially with many national team players, will enhance their performance.

 
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