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Bhutan National Team

Bhutan’s International Football Journey: The Ebb and Flow of Results in 2023

In the realm of international football, Bhutan’s national teams have had their share of ups and downs in 2023. From the U16-SAFF Championship held in the country to our first International Women’s Friendly Tournament for the senior women’s national team, the year has been a rollercoaster ride for Bhutanese football enthusiasts. SAFF Championship, 2023, Bangalore The Dragon Boys’ first outing of 2023 was marked by their return to the SAFF Championship, which was held at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bangalore, India, from June 21 to July 4, 2023. Apart from the SAFF countries, Kuwait and Lebanon were invited as guest teams to increase the number of teams and make the event more competitive. Bhutan started the SAFF expedition facing the Maldives in the opening match. Despite some exceptional displays from our Dragon boys, we failed to live up to expectations, suffering a heartbreak result in the opening of our journey, losing to the Maldives with a score of 2-0. Our second match of the championship was more surprising, as we faced a much stronger team ranked 80 places above us. Lebanon, one of the guests of the SAFF championship, opened their account within a few minutes of the opening whistle while we helplessly defended their attacks. We were 4 goals behind at halftime but managed to pull one back in the second half, showcasing our strong mentality despite the big goal margin. SAFF Championship, 2023 Bangalore Our first encounter with Lebanon In the final match of the championship, we faced Bangladesh and suffered a 3-1 setback. Despite the tough competition and unfavourable outcomes, our Dragon boys exhibited resilience and determination throughout the tournament, even though they failed to qualify for the semifinals. While victory eluded them, the experience gained on the international stage will undoubtedly serve as a stepping stone for future matches. U16-SAFF Championship, 2023 (Changlimithang National Stadium) The journey began with the U16-SAFF Championship, held on Bhutanese soil at the iconic Changlimithang National Stadium. It was the first international match held in the country after the pandemic, and hopes were high. Fans were eager to witness our young talents shine. Unfortunately, Bhutan couldn’t make it to the semifinals after losing to Pakistan and the Maldives with scorelines of 2-1 and 3-2, leaving spectators with mixed feelings. In the match against the Maldives, the future of Bhutan Football and the captain, Sonam Dorji, scored a fabulous long shot and doubled his tally in the additional minutes of the first half.  Our first International Match held in the country after the pandemic What a way to celebrate your first goal for the country in front of the home supporter However, the game was overturned when he received a second yellow card of the match, leaving Bhutan a goal short of progressing to the semifinals. While the outcome was not ideal, it marked an opportunity for the young Bhutanese footballers to learn and grow, setting the stage for their future endeavours. U19-SAFF Championship, 2023 (Nepal) Moving on to the U19-SAFF Championship held in Nepal, Bhutan’s young team displayed remarkable determination and talent that made waves in international matches. Under the guidance of Japanese Head Coach Hedaharu Takahashi, these young talents have shown immense potential and promise. Their impressive performances have not only caught the attention of scouts but have also ignited hope for the future of Bhutanese football. In the opening match of Bhutan against Bangladesh, the runners-up of the Championship in the years 2017, 2019, and 2022, the young team showed their determination and bravery by staging a comeback against Bangladesh, securing the first historical win in the tournament over them in years. Highest Scorer of Bhutan and joint Highest scorer of the Tournament, “Jigme Namgyel” Team Bhutan were awarded the “Fair Play” award in the tournament In the second match against the reigning champions and the champions of the tournament, the young boys showed enough resilience, composure, and determination to score the first goal of the match. However, team India scored a goal in each half to secure 3 points and a comeback against us. Despite this, the young Bhutan team advanced to the semifinals of the championship. In the semifinals, the team faced first-time participants, Pakistan. The match was intense, with the boys controlling the game and creating numerous chances, but unfortunately, the game ended in a draw and came down to penalties. Despite giving their all, Bhutan was narrowly knocked out in the tiebreaker. This heart-wrenching defeat was a testament to the resilience and fighting spirit of the young Bhutanese youth. However, there was a silver lining amidst the disappointment. Bhutan’s team was awarded the fair play award of the tournament, reflecting the values of sportsmanship they upheld throughout the competition. Additionally, Jigme Namgyel, a rising star of Bhutanese football, was recognized as the highest goal scorer, sharing this honor with Gwgwmsar Goyary from Team India and Samir Tamang from Nepal. These accolades highlighted Bhutan’s commitment to the beautiful game. International Women’s Friendly Tournament (Senior Women’s Team) – Saudi Arabia Shifting the focus to the senior women’s team, Bhutan’s senior women’s national team participated in the second edition of the International Women’s Friendly Tournament, held in Saudi Arabia. This marked our first international friendly tournament in which our women’s team had ever participated. Bhutan’s Road to the Final During the group stage of the tournament, Bhutan played its first match against Lebanon. Although we had a rough start to the game, we had a bit of bad luck, losing to them with a scoreline of 3-2. Both goals for the Dragon Girls were scored by our rising star, Ms. Deki Lhazom, in the final minutes of the game. The second match of the group stage was played against one of the higher-ranked teams, “Laos,” in which the Dragon girls did well enough to keep the scoreline level, ensuring their progression to the semifinals on goal difference. In the semifinals, the Dragon girls faced the host team and the winners of group B, “Saudi Arabia.” In

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Notice Inviting Expression of Interest- Ticket sales

    Notice Inviting Expression of Interest (EOI) – Ticket Sales The Bhutan Football Federation (BFF) is pleased to invite Expression of Interest (EOI) from interested individuals to sell tickets during the FIFA Qualifier match between Bhutan and Hongkong, China, scheduled for 17 October 2023, at the Changlimithang Stadium in Thimphu. Interested individuals can acquire EOI documents from the BFF Finance section by making a non-refundable payment of Nu.300/-. The deadline for submission of your bid is on 6 October 2023 before 2:30 PM.      

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BoB Bhutan Premier League

Tsenda Dorji Scores His 50th Goal For Transport United FC

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.

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BoB Bhutan Premier League

Namlha FC Breaks The Hearts Of The Mighties In The 90th Minute

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.

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BoB Bhutan Premier League

Druk Lhayul FC Suffers Their Heaviest Defeat At Woochu Sports Arena

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.

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Bhutan Women's National League

Bhutan Women’s National League, 2023 kicks off

The Bhutan Women’s National League, 2023 kicked off today. The opening match was played between Transport United Ladies and Gelephu Girls Academy. The thrilling opening match ended in a 2 – 2 draw.A total of six clubs qualified from the Bhutan Women’s National League Qualifiers, 2023 are participating in the league. A total of 30 matches will be played over a span of 3 months before they head off to round two which will be centralized.

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BoB Bhutan Premier League

Kazou Homma Shines Yet Again For Paro FC

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.

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BoB Bhutan Premier League

An Enticing Showdown: Transport United FC vs. Tensung FC

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. 

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BoB Bhutan Premier League

A Massive Win For RTC FC

In today’s BoB Bhutan Premier League 2023 match at the Changlimithang National Stadium, Thimphu Raven FC faced off against RTC FC, resulting in a convincing 4-0 victory for RTC FC. The match showcased RTC FC’s dominance throughout both halves, ultimately leading to their well-deserved win. The game’s momentum shifted early as Jigme Tsheltrim of RTC FC initiated the scoring in the 26th minute, giving his team a crucial lead. Karma Sonam extended RTC FC’s advantage with an impressive freekick from outside the box in the 38th minute, securing a comfortable two-goal cushion at halftime. RTC FC’s control over possession was evident in the opening half, with an impressive 64.3% possession share and a significant 18-minute period of domination. Karma Sonam celebrates after he scores a worldie free kick. The match’s dynamics persisted into the second half, with Dilip Mongar of RTC FC adding to the tally, marking his first goal of the season. The final goal of the match came from a penalty kick taken by Kelzang Jigme in the 56th minute. The penalty was awarded after a foul on Siddarth within the penalty area, a situation well-exploited by RTC FC. RTC FC’s offensive prowess was on full display, amassing a staggering 30 shots over the course of the match, setting a record for this season’s BoB Bhutan Premier League. In contrast, Thimphu Raven FC struggled to maintain a foothold, managing only a single shot throughout the game. As the match concluded, RTC FC’s impressive performance propelled them to the 5th position in the points table, having secured two wins in their last five matches. Meanwhile, Thimphu Raven FC’s winless streak continued, leaving them in the 9th position with a single point earned from a draw against Ugyen Academy FC earlier in the season. The match showcased RTC FC’s dominance in terms of possession, shots, and goals, ultimately securing them a significant victory and a notable rise in the league standings.

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BoB Bhutan Premier League

A Deadlock Result Between BFF Academy and Thimphu City FC

In a closely contested encounter that had fans roaring with excitement, BFF Academy FC and Thimphu City FC played out a captivating 1-1 draw. The match showcased the immense talent and determination of both teams, leaving spectators at the edge of their seats until the final whistle. Right from the kickoff, it was evident that this clash would be a hard-fought battle. BFF Academy FC, known for their disciplined possessions  approach, stood firm against Thimphu City FC’s attacking prowess. The midfield became a battleground as players from both sides fought tooth and nail for control of the ball. The first half saw Thimphu City FC making their intentions clear, launching a series of incisive attacks that tested BFF Academy FC’s defense. While, BFF Academy FC, on the other hand, exhibited their trademark resilience and tactical acumen. Their captain commanded the midfield, ensuring a steady supply of passes and interceptions. Both Thimphu City FC and BFF Academy got lots of chances in the opening half but failed to capitalize on all occasions, heading for the break with a goalless score. As the match was reaching the final 30 minutes, BFF Academy intensified their attacking prowess, dominating possession and pressing forward in the final third. Their hard work paid off when they were awarded a penalty in the 70th minute after the ball struck Ugyen Dorji’s arm while he attempted to clear it inside the penalty box. The captain of BFF Academy, who was also named the man of the match, stepped up to take the penalty. Pema unleashed a powerful strike from the spot, sending the ball into the net and sending the goalkeeper dove the other way. Pema Zangpo scores from the spot giving his team a goal lead However, Thimphu City FC was also granted a penalty in the 73rd minute after Dawa Tshering was brought down inside the penalty box by Jigme Singye. Despite appeals from BFF Academy players for a review, the referee upheld his decision. Dawa, entrusted with the penalty, opted for a powerful blistering strike to the right corner, eluding the goalkeeper’s reach due to its precision and force. As the match entered its final stages, both teams threw caution to the wind in search of a decisive goal. The atmosphere in the stadium was electric, with fans from both sides rallying behind their respective teams. The goalkeepers were forced into making breathtaking saves, and the woodwork was struck on multiple occasions.In the end, the referee’s whistle signalled the conclusion of a captivating contest. 

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