August 14, 2024 Kathmadu – Paro FC defeated Church Boys 2-1 on Tuesday, August 13, at Nepal’s International Football Stadium, Dasarath Rangashala, in a closely contested AFC Challenge League match. The encounter was marred by the stadium’s challenging playing conditions, which significantly impacted the flow of the game.
From the outset, the match was set against a backdrop of controversy regarding the pitch. The ground at Dasarath Rangashala was notably in poor condition, with a slippery surface that made ball control difficult and posed potential risks to player safety. This issue has been a point of concern for some time, particularly after the recent lifting of a ban by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) that had previously restricted matches at the venue due to its poor condition.
Church Boys took an early lead in the 38th minute, with Laken Limbu finding the back of the net. The goal came as a result of a well-executed play that saw Limbu capitalize on a moment of defensive lapse from Paro FC. However, Paro FC responded with determination. Just two minutes later, in the 40th minute, Kinga Wangchuk scored to equalize for Paro FC, leveling the score at 1-1.
The second half saw both teams pushing hard for the decisive goal, but it was Paro FC who found the breakthrough. In the 67th minute, William Opoku Asiedu delivered a crucial goal that secured the victory for Paro FC. His strike proved to be the winning goal, clinching all three points for his side.
The match highlighted ongoing issues with the Dasarath Rangashala pitch. Despite the AFC’s recent decision to allow games to be played at the venue, the lack of significant improvements to the playing surface has continued to affect match quality and player safety. The slippery conditions were a significant challenge for both teams, and there are growing calls for the government to address the situation and make necessary upgrades to ensure that the stadium meets the required standards.
In summary, while Paro FC celebrated their hard-fought victory, the state of the pitch at Dasarath Rangashala remains a pressing concern. With the AFC’s recent decision to permit matches at the stadium, it is imperative that improvements are made to provide a safer and more suitable playing environment for future fixtures.
