Paro FC's Victory Over Church Boys United in the AFC League Challenge
The recent AFC Challenge League match between Nepal’s Church Boys United and Bhutan’s Paro FC, held on August 13th,2024 at Dashrath Rangasala, has turned into a national embarrassment. While the spotlight was supposed to be on the football, it was instead stolen by the horrific condition of Dashrath Rangashala, Nepal's only international stadium.
The Martyr’s Memorial A-Division League champions, Church Boys United, lost 2-1 to Paro FC in their home ground in front of thousands of spectators. Church Boys' Laken Limbu gave them the lead in the 38th minute, but Kinga Wangchuk of Paro FC quickly tied the score two minutes later. The score was 1-1 at the end of the first half. In the 60th minute, William Opoku secured the victory goal for Paro FC.
The match received outstanding coverage because of the presence of iconic football player Keisuke Honda in the Paro FC lineup. Despite the fact that he was clearly demonstrating his skills, the shocking state of the pitch overshadowed everything else.
The muddy surface, which was more comparable to a rice paddy than a football field, was what made the game spectacular rather than the football itself. Players from both teams looked like mud-covered warriors within minutes, and the ball struggled to roll smoothly. This isn't just a disappointment; it's an insult to the beautiful game and to the players who dedicate their lives to it.
The blame game has already begun. Supporters are furious, questioning the competence of those responsible for maintaining the stadium. This is not just about a football match; it's a reflection of our country's priorities. If we can't even maintain a basic sports facility, what hope do we have for bigger dreams? It's time for concrete actions, not empty promises. Nepal needs to invest in its sports infrastructure, and Dashrath Rangasala must be the starting point.
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