According to the Nikkan Sports report, Keisuke Honda, who represented the Japanese national team in three World Cups, participated in the AFC Challenge qualifying tournament as the captain of Paro FC in Bhutan. Paro FC eventually won 2-1 against Church Boys United of Nepal, and Honda completed his mission.
On a muddy battlefield in Kathmandu, Nepal, 38-year-old former Japanese international Keisuke Honda, wearing the No. 4 jersey of Paro FC, led the team to the main tournament, and he played a vital role in the victory.
In the first half, Honda attempted a stunning direct free-kick, which unfortunately did not lead to a goal, but his outstanding performance and leadership injected endless fighting spirit into the team. In the end, through the team’s tenacious efforts, Paro FC secured a spot in the AFC Challenge League as they wished.
After the match, Honda, covered in mud, accepted media interviews, excitedly stating, “We played very aggressively and completed our set goals. I am incredibly excited right now.”
His teammates lifted Honda high in the air to celebrate this historic victory. This playoff was not only a test of the team’s strength but also a new chapter in Honda’s personal career journey. He only signed with the team for one match, but he contributed a versatile performance, making many contributions in the attacking end, while also dropping back to participate in defense, demonstrating an unparalleled team spirit.
The AFC official website praised him as the team’s “ace” before the match, pointing out that his participation brought creativity and leadership to the team.
It is worth mentioning that Honda’s last official club appearance was on November 4, 2021, when he played for Suduva in Lithuania against Zalgiris. Now, after 1008 days, he has stepped back onto the field, and in the adverse conditions of a muddy pitch, he displayed an excellent competitive form.
Honda revealed in a program that he did not hesitate to accept the invitation to play only one match. This opportunity, for him, was like a fighting challenge invitation, full of passion and excitement.
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