Bhutan Football

In the 20th match of the ongoing BoB Bhutan Premier League 2023, RTC FC faced off against Paro FC at the RTC Astro Ground. The intense encounter saw Paro FC emerge victorious with a 3-2 scoreline. Kazuo Homma of Paro FC initiated the scoring spree by netting the first goal in the 5th minute, capitalizing on a precise cross from the right flank. As the match progressed, Phub Thinley further bolstered Paro FC’s lead, finding the net in extra time during the second half, courtesy of a pass from Evans. The third goal for Paro FC was a spectacular long-range strike from Karma Chetrim, expertly placing the ball into the top right corner of the net. The opening half concluded with Paro FC in a commanding position, holding a three-goal advantage. RTC FC celebrates after Kelzang scores from a penalty spot.  RTC FC fought back valiantly in the second half, determined to bridge the gap. Kezang Jigme provided a glimmer of hope for RTC FC as he converted a penalty in the 62nd minute, following a foul on Jigme by Paro FC’s defenders within the penalty box. The momentum continued for RTC FC as Sonam Jugdrel Chozang notched their second goal in the 76th minute, executing a skilful first-touch lob from outside the penalty box that evaded the goalkeeper’s reach.Despite their spirited efforts to level the score, RTC FC ultimately fell short by a single goal as the final whistle sounded. The man of the match was given to Phub Thinley of Paro FC after he scored a goal and set up a goal for Kazuo’s opener. The victory propelled Paro FC to the second spot on the points table, trailing Transport United FC solely on goal difference. On the other hand, RTC FC currently occupies the 7th position, having secured only one victory in their last four matches. The match showcased an engaging clash between the two teams, with Paro FC ultimately emerging as the triumphant side in a closely contested affair.

Thimphu City FC delivered a commanding performance, securing a 4-1 victory over Thimphu Raven FC. Armand emerged as the standout player, initiating the scoring spree by breaking the deadlock in the 20th minute with a classic finish, thanks to Nima Wangdi, (who played as a holding midfielder for the match), who delivered a well-executed through ball from their own half. In the 23rd minute, Armand doubled his tally, as his shot was deflected in by Tashi Ghalley who slid a tackle inside the box to stop Armand’s powerful shot. Armand completed his hat trick in the 36th minute by tapping in a precise cross from Ajay Gurung, showcasing his clinical finishing ability. Tenzin Namgyal further extended Thimphu City FC’s lead, finding the net from close range in the 44th minute, securing a four-goal advantage by halftime.   Hattrick hero Armand in action Thimphu Raven FC managed to pull one back in the second half, with Martins registering a goal in the 68th minute. However, their first-half struggles were evident, failing to produce any shots on target. Thimphu City FC’s dominance was underscored by their high “ball in play” time of 66 minutes, the highest number of passes (726), and an impressive pass success rate of 92%. Thimphu City FC’s control of the game was further highlighted by their 666 successful passes, showcasing their strategic prowess. In contrast, Thimphu Raven FC had a lone shot on target and managed to net just one goal. Overall, Thimphu City FC’s superiority was unmistakable throughout the match.

In a heated football match between Druk Lhayul FC and Tensung FC at Changlimithang National Stadium, Druk Lhayul FC underwent significant changes in their starting lineup, with Ekom making his debut alongside Sonam Tobgay and Kelzang Jamtsho started his first match from the opening whistle. The game began with Tensung FC taking an immediate shot right after the whistle. In the opening minute, Druk Lhayul FC earned a corner after Jordens’ deflected cross. Aung’s powerful header from the ensuing corner was denied by Tobgay’s impressive save. Druk Lhayul FC narrowly escaped an own goal in the 7th minute, when Sonam Tshering’s cross was headed by Tenzin Dorji. The header hit the crossbar and was forced for a corner for Tensung FC. However, the corner went unexploited. As the game progressed, Tensung FC launched a counter-attack but was thwarted by three defenders. In the 21st minute, Aliu’s potent strike from the opposition’s mid-third was punched away by Tobgay for a corner. Tshering Tashi replaced Thinley Wangdi in the 25th minute to bring a fresh leg into the attack for Tensung FC. Druk Lhayul FC dominated the early exchanges, with Ekom creating a scoring opportunity for Aung. However, Aung’s shot was stopped by the goalkeeper. Nevertheless, their persistence paid off, as jersey No. 7 “Dorji Khandu” broke the deadlock with a splendid curling shot to the far corner. However, Tensung FC missed a chance to equalize when Pelden Wangchuk failed to convert a good cross in the 35th minute. A way to celebrate after breaking the deadlock As the first half concluded, the fourth assistant referee indicated three minutes of added time. Tensung FC vehemently appealed for a handball inside the box, but after Video Review System (VRS) consultation, the referee rejected their claims.  As the second half kicked off, Sonam Tshering was shown a yellow card for a reckless challenge on Sonam Jorden in the centre. However, Druk Lhayul FC’s second goal of the night followed from that very own foul. It was Aung who extended Druk Lhayul FC’s lead in the 50th minute with a powerful driving header in which Tobgay was helpless to stop that header, despite Tensung FC’s protests about the ball going out of play in the build-up however, they were again denied. Tensung FC’s defender, Kinzang Dorji, earned a yellow card for disputing the decision against the lineman. With rain pouring down, Druk Lhayul FC intensified their attack on Tensung FC’s final third. Ekom marked his return with a goal in the 69th minute, contributing to a beautifully constructed team effort.    Druk Lhayul FC 3 : 0 Tensung FC Tensung FC’s best chance in the second half, came from a free kick by Tshering Tashi, hitting the woodwork. Sonam Phuntsho’s headed effort after the rebound was cleared off the line by Kelzang Jamtsho. As the game intensified in the dying moments, Tensung FC was in dire need of a goal upfront and every player was desperate of converting a consolation.  The captain, Sonam Phuntsho received a second yellow card of the game and was given a marching order by the referee in the additional minutes of the second half after he did a reckless challenge to Dorji and Aung in the build-up of their play. The much-heated game came to an end sealing another win for Druk Lhayul FC while Tensung FC’s results rode a roller coaster.

In a battle between two academies, the match ended in a goalless draw, showcasing a display of both offensive and defensive strategies. The game started with a burst of energy as Ugyen Academy initiated the action with an attempt within the first 3 minutes. Despite the initial shot being saved, the rebound was sent wide by Dechen Jigdrel. BFF Academy responded swiftly with a header from Bull in the 4th minute, but it failed to find the mark. Both teams set up a 4-4-2 formation, while UA opted for counterattacks. BFF Academy focused on intricate passes and build-up plays. Pema Zangpo, the captain known for long, powerful shots, took a shot from outside the box in the 12th minute, but it missed the target. Jigme Namgyel got a promising opportunity in the 15th minute after a well-executed build-up within the box, but his left-footed attempt soared over the crossbar. The Mighties squandered several chances, allowing BFF Academy some room for control in the first 20 minutes, showcasing strong offence, defensive prowess, and respectable shots in the final third. In the 22nd minute, Jigme Namgyel delivered a well-placed cross inside the box, leading to a tap-in opportunity for Kinzang Tenzin, but his shot went wide, adding to the waste of opportunities. In the 30th minute, the Mighties had another chance, but a wrong decision from Dechen Jigdrel while controlling the ball led to a shot straight at the goalkeeper. The first half saw intense moments, including a goal-line clearance by UA in the 42nd minute. BFF Academy displayed 11 shots with just 3 on target, while UA had 6 shots with 3 on target. The second half began with Ugyen Academy exerting pressure on BFF Academy’s defence but they failed to capitalize on all the chances they got. In the 69th minute, Tenzin Lekdrup was replaced by Sangay Chophel for BFF Academy, giving them a fresh leg up front, and they got a freekick in a promising position, with Pema Zangpo and Jigme Namgyel standing over the ball. However, it was Pema who took the free kick. Pema’s powerful shot was met by the goalkeeper’s punch, but it didn’t clear that far. The rebound was met by Jigdrel with his sliding tackle, which went for a goal kick at the end.The game approached its conclusion with numerous tackles from both sides. UA had opportunities in the final 10 minutes but failed to convert. In the 86th minute, Samta Kumar of UA missed an open goal, a missed chance that could have broken the deadlock.   In the end, despite the competitive efforts and several near-misses, neither academy managed to find the back of the net, resulting in a goalless stalemate.  

In a commanding display, Transport United FC secured a resounding 5-0 victory over Namlha FC. Right from the start, Transport United exhibited their determination for more attacks, winning three corners within the first five minutes. The team made significant squad rotations compared to their previous match against Druk Lhayul FC, alternating between a 4-4-2 formation without the ball and a 3-4-3 setup during possession. Their efforts in the midfield third were prominent, with plenty of build-up play. Namlha FC opted for a defensive strategy and leaned towards counterattacks. However, in the 21st minute, Ugyen Dorji’s skillful header from a corner kick gave Transport United FC a well-deserved lead. Despite Namlha FC’s defensive approach, Transport United FC continued their relentless pursuit, with Thinley providing a promising through ball in the 24th minute. Unfortunately, Dicka’s attempt to loop the ball on target went astray.  Namlha FC managed their first corner in the 29th minute, but Transport United FC’s solid defense easily headed the ball clear. Despite Namlha FC’s pressure in the final third, they struggled to create meaningful chances. Tsenda Dorji extended Transport United’s lead in the 30th minute, capitalizing on a defensive error from Namlha FC after a cross from the right flank. The match saw its first booking as the defender, Chimmi Dorji of Namlha FC received a yellow card for a dangerous tackle just outside the box. Moments later, Melam Rigzin of Namlha FC missed an open goal opportunity, and Transport United FC quickly countered, though Dicka’s shot went wide. Transport United FC’s forward, “Dicka” trying to control the ball In the second half, Transport United FC made a substitution, replacing Kabi Raj and bringing in Singye Wangchuk, while Namlha FC brought in Tandin Dorji was brought in for Tandin. Transport United FC continued their attacking prowess, with Dicka delivering a powerful cross that the goalkeeper cleared for a throw-in right after the kickoff of the second half. Namlha FC had their chance to bring one back in the 55th minute, but their striker’s shot was saved by the goalkeeper, and the rebound hit the woodwork. As the second half progressed, Namlha FC resorted to long shots. In the 63rd minute, a mix-up led to an own goal by Namlha FC through Rajib Ghorou. Tensions rose as both teams fought for possession. Transport United FC’s jersey number 8, Mr. Jigme Tshering, received a yellow card for a reckless challenge right after he was brought in. In the 76th minute, a penalty was awarded to Transport United FC after Rajiv Ghorou’s elbowing incident on Tsenda Dorji inside the penalty box. Initially shown a yellow card, Rajiv’s punishment escalated to a red card following a video review. Phurpa Tenzin capitalized on the penalty, widening the scoreline to 4-0.  The final goal arrived in additional minutes, courtesy of Transport United FC’s star player, who maneuvered through defenders and fired an unstoppable shot. The match concluded with Transport United FC clinching a dominant 5-0 victory, showcasing their prowess and versatility on the field.

The points are spoiled at Changlimithang National Stadium in the 14th match of the BoB Bhutan Premier League, 2023 between Thimphu Raven FC and Ugyen Academy FC.  Although Ugyen Academy FC started the match quite well, Thimphu Raven FC drew first blood as Martins, a pivotal player in their offensive lineup, managed to find the back of the net. His precise outfoot shot left the Ugyen Academy FC goalkeeper with little chance to react. The Raven FC players exhibited seamless coordination, stringing together impressive passes and attacking with calculated aggression. However, Ugyen Academy FC wasn’t ready to concede defeat. Their star player, Santa Kumar, rose to the occasion, displaying his prowess by equalizing the score. Santa’s goal was a testament to his individual brilliance, as he maneuvered through the opposition’s defense before launching towards the ball with a tap in that nestled into the net, leveling the playing field. As the game progressed, both sides fought relentlessly for control of the midfield and possession, engaging in a tactical battle that showcased the depth of their strategies. The defence on both ends remained resilient, thwarting numerous goal-scoring opportunities and ensuring the scoreline remained deadlocked. In the end, despite their best efforts, neither team managed to clinch victory, resulting in a well-deserved 1-1 draw. The head coach of Ugyen Academy FC, Ms. Denka, stated that the team is not happy with a point as they didn’t expect a draw. I know how my players play, and we actually thought that we would win the game. In the opening half, the game wasn’t going according to plan, so we had to make several changes, but I am happy with the second-half performance. She also added that one of the reasons her players are not performing well is due to a lack of proper training grounds, as they have been training on the mini-pitch. On the other hand, the head coach of Thimphu Raven FC stated that he is happy with one point but could have been happier if they could have snatched all three points. He also had full praise for the local players, who played wholeheartedly. The final match of match week three will be played between Tensung FC and BFF Academy FC at MTC Ground tomorrow.

The 4 month long Bhutan Women’s National League Qualifiers, 2023 ended yesterday. A total of 8 teams from 4 districts in the country participated in the qualifiers. POS CLUB MP WIN DRAW LOSS GF GA GD PTS 1 UA WFC 7 6 0 1 35 4 31 18 2 RTC WFC 7 6 0 1 55 6 49 18 3 GAG FC 7 5 0 2 59 7 52 15 4 THIMPHU WFC 7 5 0 2 36 9 27 15 5 TRANSPORT UNITED LADIES  7 3 0 4 34 15 19 9 6 SAMTSE WFC 7 2 0 5 26 40 -14 6 7 GELPHU CITY WFC 7 1 0 6 5 82 -77 3 8 BUMTHANG WFC 7 0 0 7 0 87 -87 0 WOMEN’S NATIONAL LEAGUE QUALIFIERS 2023  Points Table UA WFC, RTC WFC,  GAG FC, Thimphu WFC, Transport United Ladies, Samtse WFC qualified for the Bhutan Women’s National League, 2023 while Gelephu City WFC and Bumthang WFC were relegated. RTC FC UA FC GAG FC Thimphu WFC Transport United FC Samtse WFC The Bhutan Women’s National League, 2023 kicks off on 19th August, 2023.