Tsirang FC Stage Stunning Late Comeback to Beat Ugyen Academy

Tsirang FC produced a remarkable late turnaround to defeat Ugyen Academy FC 3–2 in a fiercely contested Match Day 14 clash, a game filled with goals, drama, bookings, and momentum swings from start to finish.

The match began with high intensity and physical battles in midfield, with both sides picking up early cautions. Tsirang FC’s Afreez Olawale Oladipo was shown a yellow card in the 31st minute for a late challenge, while Ugyen Academy FC were forced into an early change of plan after Palden Yoezer received a yellow card in the 26th minute for a high-foot challenge on John Payan Sharsha. He was subsequently substituted in the 29th minute, with Sonam Loday coming on. Later in the half, Chhimi Dorji was also booked in the 39th minute for a reckless challenge on the goalkeeper, reflecting the growing intensity of the contest.

Despite the disruptions, both head coaches remained animated on the sidelines, constantly directing their teams as they searched for the opening goal.
Tsirang FC struck first. Bijay Samal rose highest inside the box to power home a clinical header, silencing the home crowd and giving the visitors a 1–0 lead.

However, Ugyen Academy responded strongly. A brilliant cross from Pravin caused chaos in the box, eventually falling to Santa Kumar, who reacted quickest after Ngawang Sonam’s effort was saved by Antonio. Santa made no mistake from close range to level the score at 1–1, sending the home supporters into celebration as the match went into halftime evenly poised.

The second half began with Tsirang FC making changes, introducing Alex Willane and Stephen Stalin to inject fresh energy into their attack.

Ugyen Academy regained control in the 56th minute. Once again, Pravin played a key role, combining sharp movement and awareness inside the box. His clever header and involvement in the build-up created space for Santa, whose effort was saved, before Sonam Tshering reacted fastest to slot home the rebound, making it 2–1 for the home side.
Moments after the goal, both teams hit the woodwork in a frantic spell that could have extended either side’s lead, highlighting the end-to-end nature of the contest.

As the match entered its final stages, Tsirang FC’s substitutions proved decisive. Stephen Stalin and Alex Willane began to dictate play, with Tsirang increasing pressure on the home defence.

Their persistence paid off in the 84th minute when Stephen Stalin latched onto a perfectly timed pass from Alex Willane and unleashed a powerful strike past the goalkeeper to level the match at 2–2.

The momentum had fully shifted. Just minutes later, Tsirang FC completed the comeback. Alex once again delivered a precise cross into the box, and Stephen Stalin met it perfectly, finishing clinically to complete his brace and put Tsirang ahead 3–2. In celebration, he removed his shirt, earning a yellow card in the 89th minute.
In stoppage time, Tsirang FC made a final tactical adjustment, bringing on Tenzin Wangda for Okwudili Nwokwu Michael to help close out the game.

Despite late pressure from Ugyen Academy, Tsirang FC held firm to secure a dramatic 3–2 victory, the first win of the season, while their counterparts still await their first point of the season.