Our Sports Reporter
GUWAHATI: Bhutan edged past Brunei Darussalam 2-1 in the final AFC Asian Cup group qualifier held at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium today. All three goals were scored in an action-packed first half.
The match was originally scheduled to take place at the Changlimithang Stadium in Thimphu. However, the venue was deemed unsuitable by the Asian Football Confederation due to its synthetic turf, leading to its relocation to a neutral venue in Guwahati.
Bhutan, who had suffered a 1-2 defeat in the away leg, began the match brightly but fell behind in the 29th minute when Naziruddin Ismail found the net for Brunei.
Undeterred, Bhutan regrouped quickly and launched a series of attacks. Their persistence paid off in the 39th minute when Chencho Gyeltshen equalised with a well-taken goal. The striker struck again in first-half stoppage time, finishing clinically to hand Bhutan a crucial lead.
The second half saw a competitive contest with both sides creating opportunities, but neither team was able to add to the scoreline, as Bhutan held on to secure a hard-fought victory.
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