How Paro FC Fought Back on Our Biggest Night?
Bhutan, we felt you last night.
On Saturday at Changlimithang, Paro FC opened our 2026/27 AFC Challenge League campaign against Ahal FC of Turkmenistan. It finished 2-2. It was not the result we came for, but when you look at the numbers, it is one to be proud of.
The numbers behind the night
Turkmenistan's clubs have more than four times Bhutan's ranking points, and Ahal bring years of AFC Cup and AFC Champions League experience. We are a club founded in 2018. On paper, this was a mountain.
Why we conceded
We were honest with ourselves at half-time. Ahal are an experienced, well-drilled side, and they made us pay for a slow start in our opening match on this stage. They went into the break 2-0 up.
How we came back
The stadium never gave up on us, and the players didn't either. At the start of the second half, Sidiki Jawara, our Man of the Match, struck a free kick to give us a way back. Every duel and every run was met with a louder roar from the stands. Then, in the 90th minute, Jallow rose and headed home the equaliser. Changlimithang erupted.
We came back from two goals down against a club from the 21st-ranked association, with Bhutan sitting 35th. That belongs to every one of you who stayed and cheered.
Now we fight for the win
On Tuesday, 20 October at Changlimithang, we face Al Ansar FC of Lebanon. In a four-team group, this is a must-win for us.
Lebanon's clubs sit 25th, with 21.687 points to our 6.149. Al Ansar have 14 league titles and 15 FA Cups. It will be difficult. But we showed last night that difficult is not impossible, and with you behind us from the first whistle, we believe we can do more.
So we're asking you, Thimphu, Paro, and every corner of Bhutan:
Come to Changlimithang on Tuesday.
Bring your family, your friends, your classmates, your colleagues.
Wear red. Bring your voice.
Support Paro FC. Support Bhutanese football. Support Bhutan.
One more push. One more roar. Let's make history together.
