Thimphu: Bhutan head coach Pema Dorji achieved a personal milestone when he watched his side secure a 1-0 victory over Guam in the first leg of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and AFC Asian Cup 2023 Preliminary Joint Qualification.
This was the first time both sides met since their first encounter 14 years ago when Dorji was part of the national team who defeated Guam 6-0, a record which still stands as the country’s biggest margin of victory.
“After 14 years, I’m happy to be on the winning side again – this time as a head coach,” he said.
“But you must understand that today was a hard-earned victory. The team we played in 2003 was different as compared to their current players where most of them are playing and training in the United States.”
Tshering Dorji's first half strike was the difference in the match but Dorji was full of praise for his defenders and goalkeeper Tshering Dendup who made two vital saves with his feet to give his team a slight edge for the return leg on Tuesday.
“I continue to tell my players to give 100% and fight until the end. We did well in front of goal but our defenders did very well. They deserved to keep a clean sheet. Of course our goalkeeper did incredibly well to make two brilliant saves,” said Dorji.
It will take two days for Dorji’s side to reach Guam via Bangkok and Philippines, and he has urged his players to stay focused ahead of the tie.
“Honestly, I was hoping for more goals. Now we have a slight advantage going into the return leg and anything can happen. We must stay focused because it will take the team two days to reach Guam. We will have one day training and the next day it will be the match.”
Source: the-afc.com