The second round robin of the AFC 2018 World Cup qualifiers Group C competitions continues with a matchup between winless team Bhutan (0-4-0, 0 points) and second-running Hong Kong (2-1-1, 7 points) at the Changlimithang Stadium in Thimphu, Bhutan on October 13, Tuesday.
Druk Eleven has not registered a win after four outings in the Asian qualifying tourney with their last match a close 3-4 loss to Maldives at their said home stadium on Thursday, as per the FIFA official website.
Tshering Dorji, Chencho Gyeltshen, and Biran Basnet gave Bhutan three late goals five minutes before full time and into injury time, but still was not able to salvage a draw after Ricki Herbert's men opened a 4-0 lead with three goals in the first half and one more 12 minutes into the second.
Hong Kong is also coming off a loss, a close 2-3 defeat versus Qatar, last month at their home turf of Mong Kok Stadium and the team looks to bounce back in this game against the Dragon Boys, via the South China Morning Post.
Defender Bai He and striker Godfred KariKari found the back of the net at the 87th and 89th minutes to come short of a draw after the Maroons blazed to a 3-0 lead prior.
Kim Pan-Gon's boys routed Bhutan in their first round matchup, 7-0, also at Mong Kok and it seems like another romp is imminent in this second meeting between these two national teams.
The prediction is a 5-0 blowout for Hong Kong.
Bhutan starting lineup (4-2-3-1 formation): H. Gurung; J. Dorji, D. Gyeltshen, L. Dorji, K. Gurung; C. Dorji, T. Dorji; Basnet, Dawa, K.Gyeltshen; C. Gyeltshen
Hong Kong starting lineup (4-4-2 formation): Yapp; Baise, Kilama, Lo, Cheung; Bai, Huang, Lam, Karikari; Chan, McKee