A heartbreak for RTC Women FC in AFC Women’s Champions League debut.

In a thrilling encounter at the Changlimithang Stadium on August 28th, over 1,700 spectators witnessed a fiercely contested match between RTC Women FC and Kitchee SC from Hong Kong, China in the AFC Women’s Champions League | Preliminary Stage 2024/25, Group D. Despite a valiant effort, RTC Women FC fell short, losing 1-0.

The match started with RTC Women FC dominating the first 40 minutes, showcasing strong midfield control and defensive resilience, holding 70% of the ball possession. However, despite their dominance, RTC struggled to convert their opportunities into goals, with none of their shots finding the target.

Kitchee SC, on the other hand, capitalized on a rare opportunity when Fu Chiu Man, wearing jersey number 8, scored with a well-placed header just before halftime. This goal, their first shot on target, shifted the momentum in Kitchee’s favour, putting RTC Women FC on the back foot as they entered the break trailing 1-0.

In the second half, RTC Women FC emerged with renewed vigour, continuing to dominate possession and applying relentless pressure on Kitchee’s defensive line. Despite creating numerous chances, they were unable to break through the solid defence of Kitchee SC, who remained resolute under pressure. Several shots narrowly missed the target, while others were expertly saved by Kitchee’s goalkeeper, frustrating RTC’s attempts to equalize. On the other hand, Kitchee SC also got a one-on-one chance in the dying minutes of the second half after a missed pass from the goalkeeper but failed to bury the ball behind the net.

The match ended with Kitchee SC securing a hard-fought 1-0 victory, leaving RTC Women FC at the bottom of the points table with zero points from two matches. This defeat has effectively ended RTC’s hopes of advancing to the group stage of the competition.

In his post-match comments, RTC Women FC’s head coach, Jigme, expressed pride in his team’s performance, despite the result. “This was our first time playing an international match at the club level and the Changlimithang Stadium. We are proud of the girls’ effort, and despite the outcome, we are taking this experience positively. We would like to thank everyone who made our first international appearance a special one, not just for RTC WFC but for women’s football in Bhutan. We are grateful for the support from RTC management and the fans who came out to cheer us on.”

The final match of Group D will be played between Bam Khatoon FC of the Islamic Republic of Iran and Kitchee SC of Hong Kong, China on 31st August 2024 at Changlimithang Stadium.

Written by:

• Sonam Peldon (RTC Media Studies, 2nd Year)
• Rinzin Wangchuk (RTC Media Studies, 3rd Year)
• Tenzin Dema (RTC Media Studies, 2nd Year)

Edited by: Nidup Gyeltshen