Machhindra edge Paro, to meet Mohun Bagan in next round

Nepal’s Machhindra FC fought back from a goal down to edge Paro FC of Bhutan 3-2 in their AFC Cup Preliminary Round 1 match at the Dashrath Stadium on Tuesday.

Paro took an early lead before a first-half blitz gave Machhindra a 3-1 advantage heading into the break with the visitors reducing the deficit late in the game.

Machhindra will face India’s Mohun Bagan Super Giants in the Preliminary Round 2 on August 16.

Paro caught the hosts by surprise when Yeshi Dorji’s cutback from inside the box forced Machhindra keeper Bishal Shrestha into conceding an own goal after Kazuo Honma’s initial close range effort.

Machhindra, however, came back fighting with Bimal Gharti Magar heading home the equaliser in the 12th minute before Ayush Ghalan put the Nepali side ahead with a curling effort from inside the box.

Machhindra’s constant pressure led to another goal in the 38th minute with Afeez Oladipo finishing off a nice team move with a close range header.

Paro tried to find their way back with Evans Asante netting in the 71st minute but it was too late as Machhindra held on for the win.

- AFC