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Kings leave for Bhutan to play AFC Challenge League


Published : 21 Oct 2024 10:14 PM

Bashundhara Kings left Dhaka for Bhutan on Monday to play the AFC Challenge League (CL) to kick off from October 26 at Changlimithang Stadium, Thimphu.   

Bangladesh champions Bashundhara Kings will beging their campaign with taking on the Nejmah of Lebanon in the opening day.

Kings, who have been taking part in the tournament for last three editions of the Asian club competition, placed in Group A along with East Bengal of India, Nejmeh of Lebanon and Paro FC of the hosts Bhutan. 

It would be very unfamiliar condition for all the visiting teams at the high altitude of Thimphu.   

Meanwhile, 18 teams were divided into five groups - three comprising four teams from the West each and two involving three teams from the East each with the new Trophy unveiling during the draw.  

Before leaving for Bhutan, King’s newly appointed head coach of Romania, Valeriu Tita when put across his goals and the challenges to reach, said, “We have played three preparation matches here. But our opponents in the Challenge League are very strong. Nejmeh have six players of Lebanon national team, along with one professional footballer of good quality from Ghana.”

“East Bengal is also a tough team.”

“But our players think it's a great platform to expose themselves in the international stage and that’s for me as a coach as well. We are definitely going there with the objective of making it to the next round,”' Said Tita.   

The group champions will play directly in the quarter finals. One of the best three group runners-up teams will also have that opportunity. Compared to the previous seasons, there are some changes in this year when Valerio Tita replaces Oscar Bruzón's chair and Brazilian playmaker Robson Robinho’s leaving the team are the big cganges.   

Rakib Hossain, Sheikh Morsalin are others waiting to match with newly included Nigerian defender Isaiah Ezeh and other foreign booters Miguel Figueira, Jonathan Fernandez.