Church Boys United faced off against Bhutan's Paro FC in a crucial AFC Challenge League playoff match at Dasharath Stadium on Tuesday. The encounter, marred by heavy rainfall, saw the pitch deteriorate significantly, making conditions challenging for the players.

The wet and muddy field resulted in frequent slips and a sluggish ball movement, with players frequently falling and their kits stained with mud. Despite the adverse conditions, Paro FC emerged victorious with a 2-1 win, securing their place in the group stage of the Challenge League.

The ongoing issues with the Dasharath Stadium's field have cast a shadow over the upcoming South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) U-20 Championship, scheduled to commence in four days at the same venue. Concerns are mounting about whether the stadium will be in suitable condition for the tournament.

Kiran Rai, General Secretary of the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA), stated, "The current state of the stadium is well-known. We will hold a meeting today to determine whether the SAFF U-20 Championship can proceed as planned."

The match against Paro FC was the first international fixture at Dasharath Stadium since Nepal's World Cup qualifying match against Yemen last November. The poor state of the pitch has led to disappointment among fans and players, reflecting ongoing concerns about the stadium's suitability for high-profile international matches.

Previously, Nepal was unable to host World Cup qualifiers against Bahrain and UAE at Dasharath Stadium due to similar issues with the pitch. The stadium remains the only venue in Nepal designated for international football, raising questions about future events if conditions do not improve.

Other venues such as the ANFA Complex and APF Ground at Halchok have hosted senior and junior international games, but the Halchok ground is currently deemed unsuitable, and the ANFA Complex is being used as an alternative.

With the possibility of further rain during the monsoon season, football experts are expressing doubts about the feasibility of holding matches at Dasharath Stadium. ANFA spokesperson Suresh Shah mentioned that if the situation does not improve, the ANFA Complex in Satdobato might be considered as an alternative venue for the SAFF U-20 Championship.

The ANFA Complex has previously hosted major tournaments, including the inaugural SAFF U-20 Championship in 2015, where Nepal clinched the title. The venue also hosted the SAFF U-15 Women's Championship last year when Chyasal Ground was deemed inadequate.

As the fourth SAFF U-20 Championship approaches, with Nepal hosting it for the second time, all eyes will be on the ANFA’s decision following Wednesday's meeting to ensure the tournament's successful execution.