Bhutan Football

The FIFA MA Refereeing program, which was scheduled to take place in Thimphu from October 8th to October 12th, 2023, has commenced today. The lead instructor for this course is from the FIFA Refereeing Development Office, while our local instructors and assessors are responsible for conducting both theory and practical sessions.The primary objective of this course is to equip referees, instructors, and assessors with the following skills and knowledge:1. Enhancing awareness, interpretation skills, practical application, and the ability to implement the latest laws of the game in real matches, primarily based on FIFA’s latest philosophy and approach.2. Collaborating to reduce inconsistencies in individual interpretations of the rules compared to the most up-to-date considerations that should guide decision-making.3. Deepening knowledge related to offside situations, with a special focus on understanding their impact on opponents.4. Sharing and updating information relevant to refereeing.The course is being attended by a total of 30 participants, with 9 of them being female referees, and it is being led by 5 instructors.

In a thrilling 32nd match of the ongoing BoB Bhutan Premier League, 2023 between Transport United FC and BFF Academy, Jignam Seltop Dorji ignited the action in the 19th minute, breaking the deadlock with a stunning goal following an exquisite buildup in the final third. However, the joy was short-lived for Transport United FC as Tshenda Dorji found the back of the net in the 29th minute, only to have his effort disallowed due to an offside call. In the 41st minute, Ugyen Thinley made an impactful substitution for the team, injecting fresh energy. Transport United FC continued to press forward, and their persistence paid off in the 45th minute when Tsenda Dorji secured an equalizer after a defensive lapse from BFF Academy and added his second just after 2 minutes in the additional minutes of first half. This goal marked a significant milestone, as it was Tsenda Dorji’s 50th goal since joining the club in 2020. The second half witnessed an explosion of goals from Transport United FC, with Tsenda Dorji netting a sensational hat-trick in the 65th minute, showcasing his extraordinary skills. Phurpa Tenzin joined the scoring spree in the 71st minute, adding to BFF Academy’s misery. The superstar of the match, Tsenda Dorji, displayed his brilliance once again by completing his haul in the 74th minute, bringing his personal goal tally to an impressive five. Nevertheless, in the dying moments of the game, Jigme Namgyel managed to pull one back for BFF Academy, concluding the thrilling contest with a final score of 5-2 in favor of Transport United FC. It was a remarkable performance that showcased Tsenda Dorji’s brilliance and secured a well-deserved victory for his team.

The 32nd match of the ongoing BoB Bhutan Premier League 2023 took place at Changlimithang National Stadium, featuring a clash between Namlha FC and Ugyen Academy FC. Both teams wasted no time in making their presence felt, as they each attempted to score within the first 3 minutes of the match. However, the first significant event of the game occurred in the form of a caution. Ugyen Academy’s jersey No. 6, Tandin Dorji, received a yellow card for a reckless challenge. Remarkably, just 7 minutes later, their captain, Jigme Phuntsho, was handed his second yellow card of the match for a similar infraction. In the 20th minute, Ugyen Academy FC managed to break the deadlock when jersey No. 4, Dilip Gurung, executed a precise header, beautifully assisted by their captain, Jigme Phuntsho, who delivered a perfect freekick. Namlha FC made a tactical move in the 25th minute by making a double substitution. Kinzang Gyelpo was replaced by Tandin, and Tsewang Dorji gave way to Tandin Dorji. Dilip Mongar opened his account of the season for Ugyen Academy FC as he heads the opener of the match. The most pivotal moment of the first half arrived in the 38th minute when Namlha FC was awarded a penalty. This decision came after jersey No. 4 of Ugyen Academy was found guilty of handling the ball inside the penalty area. Following a thorough review conducted through the Review and Replay system, the referee pointed to the penalty spot. Tandin, who had been substituted in the 25th minute, assumed the responsibility for the penalty. With remarkable composure, Tandin sprinted toward the ball and, using his weaker foot, expertly deceived the goalkeeper, sending him in the opposite direction. This skilful execution resulted in an equalizing goal for Namlha FC. Despite Ugyen Academy FC’s dominance in the opening half, the score remained level at 1-1. At halftime, Tenzin Wangda entered the game as a substitute for Sonam Yeshey, bolstering their forward line. Despite numerous opportunities, their breakthrough came from halftime substitute Tenzin’s header in the 78th minute, giving them a 1-0 lead. Just after the goal, Namlha FC launched a promising attack, creating a 4 vs. 3 situation, but their striker failed to keep his shot on target. Their next chance came in the 81st minute when the Ugyen Academy FC goalkeeper caught a back pass from his teammate inside the penalty area. However, the ensuing indirect free-kick was blocked and cleared by the defenders. Thinley Phuntsho blasts a super strike in the 90th minute to go level and punches the fist in the air. In the 90th minute, Namlha FC managed to score their second equalizer of the night, courtesy of Thinley Phuntsho, levelling the score at 2-2. With the fourth official indicating 4 minutes of added time, Ugyen Academy FC pushed forward in an attempt to regain the lead but was repeatedly denied by the opposing goalkeeper. At the final whistle, frustration engulfed the Ugyen Academy FC players, as they squandered two leads and failed to secure their first win of the season.

In the 30th match of the ongiong BoB Bhutan Premier League, 2023 between Paro FC and Druk Lhayul FC, Paro FC emerged victorious with a resounding 7-1 scoreline. The game saw a flurry of goals from the home team,  “Paro FC” dominating the proceedings. Kinga Wangchuk opened the scoring for Paro FC in the 11th minute, followed by Kazuo Homma finding the net in the 18th minute. Kinga Wangchuk added another goal in the 21st minute, while Evans Asante extended the lead in the 29th and 43rd minutes. Aung Kyaw managed to pull one back for Druk Lhayul FC from the penalty spot in the 39th minute. Giving Paro FC an upper hand as the game was halted for the second half. Kinga Wangchuk, Jersey No. 11 of Paro FC was awarded the man of the match after showcasing a phenomenal performance against Druk Lhayul FC In the second half, Druk Lhayul FC tried to bounce back for a win but their forward couldn’t convert the chances they were awarded. However, it was Kazuo Homma who added his brace in the 73rd minute besides being a man down for his team and sealed the game in the 81st minute to add his third hat trick of the season from a clinical finish. Additionally, Despite the win for the home team, the match saw a red card issued to Stephen Dang of Paro FC in the 73rd minute for accumulating two yellow cards for a reckless challenge. Kinga Wangchuk of the winning team Paro FC was awarded the Man of the Match award for his remarkable performance. Paro FC’s dominant performance secured a convincing win.

Amidst a gentle drizzle at the enchanting Paro Woochu Sports Arena, the 24th clash of the enthralling BoB Bhutan Premier League 2023 unfolded, pitting Paro Woochu FC against Ugyen Academy in a match that promised excitement. In the 23rd minute, Ugyen Academy (UA) suffered a missed opportunity as an unmarked player failed to secure the ball within the penalty box, leaving them lamenting the chance to take the lead. The game’s intensity surged, painting a canvas of fierce competition. The 28th minute marked a turning point as Phub Thinley etched his name on the scoresheet, breaking the deadlock. A defensive lapse by the UA backline allowed Phub Thinley to capitalize on a long throw-in by Nima, propelling Paro Woochu FC ahead. The stadium erupted in jubilation as the deadlock shattered, placing Ugyen Academy in a difficult position. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo. As the clock approached the 41st minute, another twist unfolded. Kazuo displayed impeccable timing, finding the net from close range. The goal owed its existence to an astutely executed through ball by Asante, showcasing the synergy among players. With this strike, Paro FC asserted dominance, leaving Ugyen Academy trailing by two goals. The first half concluded with Paro Woochu FC in a commanding position, while Ugyen Academy grappled with the need to regroup. The rain-soaked pitch bore witness to a match showcasing the passion and skill defining Bhutan’s footballing landscape. In the second half, Kazuo Homma secured a brace, extending Paro FC’s lead to three goals, despite Ugyen Academy’s efforts to create chances. As the referee’s final whistle echoed, Paro FC celebrated their fifth consecutive victory this season, while Ugyen Academy FC remained without a win. The match encapsulated the essence of the league—unpredictable, spirited, and a true testament to the beauty of the sport.

In the 24th match of the BoB Bhutan Premier League, 2023 between Transport United FC and Tensung FC, the home team kicked off with a strong Starting 11 while Tensung FC made one change in the starting 11 bringing in Phub Gyeltshen to step in for their suspended captain Sonam Phuntsho. The match began with a surprise as Tensung FC took a swift shot right from the centre spot right after the kick-off whistle. Tensung FC swiftly found the net within mere seconds, courtesy of a brilliant build-up finished by Thinley Wangdi. However, Transport United FC swiftly retaliated, showing their determination. In just 2 minutes, Mosses pulled off a delightful lob ball to equalize the score. The momentum remained on their side as Tsenda made his mark, narrowly missing a goal opportunity in the 4th minute. Their relentless attacks paid off, with Kabi Raj securing a lead in the 10th minute through a well-executed counter. Their formation, a dynamic 4-4-2, allowed for impressive forward play. Tsenda Dorji further extended their advantage in the 14th minute, capitalizing on a midfield mistake and converting a skilful through ball from Bikash. Thinley Wangdi took just 39 seconds to take a lead against Transport United FC Tensung FC adopted a defensive stance, opting for counterattacks. Their strategy led to a few attempts in the opening half. Amidst the action, it was Transport United FC who got lots of chances up front. Tsenda Dorji missed an absolute sitter in the 25th minute, but it was his partner up front, Mosses’ who was composed and finished in the 29th minute maintaining Transport United FC’s domination netting his second for the night. Tensung FC struggled to regain footing, hitting the crossbar from a free kick from Tashi Tshering and barely missing an opportunity to narrow the gap. As the first half came to a close, Phurpa Tenzin extended Transport United FC’s lead with a precise shot. Thinley Wangdi managed to pull one back for Tensung FC in the dying minutes of the half. A massive win for Transport United FC In the second half, the woodwork proved fickle again, denying Jigdrel’s shot in the 68th minute and Bikash got a one-on-one scenario in the 80th minute, but Tensung FC’s goalkeeper Tobgay made a decisive save. On the other hand, it was Tsenda Dorji, who was awarded the man of the match for his standout performance, sealed the deal in the dying minutes with a clinical counterattack goal, taking advantage of Tensung FC’s committed push for a late corner. Transport United FC’s victory marked their fifth consecutive win this season, granting them the top spot in the points table. On the other hand, Tensung FC faced a forgettable night on the pitch.