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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.

In an electrifying display between two top 5 teams from last season who clashed at Changlimithang National Stadium, Transport United FC took on Druk Lhayul FC in the 13th match of the ongoing BoB Bhutan Premier League.  The game began with both teams exhibiting their determination to dominate the field. From the outset, Transport United FC exhibited excellent ball control and showcased their attacking capabilities, hitting three shots on target within the first three minutes. Their relentless efforts paid off in the 18th minute when they were pointed at the spot kick after consulting the VAR, in which the officials and the players of Druk Lhayul FC complained that the decision to give the penalty was poor as the challenge by Phuntsho on Mosses was minimal and the loose ball was already with the defender of Druk Lhayul FC. The birthday boy, “Phurpa Tenzin,” stood firmly to take the penalty and netted the first goal of the match. His precise strike left Tshering Dendup, the goalkeeper, with no chance as the ball hit the back of the net. Phurpa Tenzin roaring with happiness as he slots home a perfect penalty to hand his team a lead Druk Lhayul FC fought back valiantly, attempting to equalize the score, but they struggled to penetrate Transport United’s solid defence, and all their shots from outside the box were collected by the goalkeeper easily. The first half came to an end with the score at 1-0, leaving both teams eager to make an impact in the second half. As the second half commenced, the intensity only heightened. Transport United continued to put pressure on their opponents, and in the 52nd minute, Tsenda Dorji brilliantly extended their lead with a well-timed shot over the goalkeeper and into the net. Despite their opponents’ resurgence, Transport United FC was relentless in their pursuit of victory. In the 54th minute, Mosses showcased his skills by scoring from close range for Transport United, scoring the third and final goal that put the game out of Druk Lhayul’s reach. However, Druk Lhayul FC refused to be defeated without a fight. Just eight minutes after conceding the second goal, they managed to find the back of the net, providing a glimmer of hope and narrowing the margin to 2-1. The goal was scored by Aung Kyaw Naing after a beautiful cross was delivered by Lekpai Dendup, demonstrating the fighting spirit of the Druk Lhayul team.   Aung Kyaw Naing scored a consolation in the second half With a 3-1 lead, Transport United FC continued to control the match, displaying impressive teamwork and discipline. Druk Lhayul FC tried to make a comeback, but the Transport United defence stood firm, denying them any further opportunities to score. As the final whistle blew, Transport United FC celebrated a well-deserved victory, securing three crucial points and extending their unbeaten run to three in the league.  

From the opening whistle, RTC FC displayed their intent to dominate the game. Their relentless pressure and fluid passing created countless scoring opportunities, leaving Namlha FC struggling to keep up. It didn’t take long for RTC FC to find the net through Sonam Jugdrul Chozang at the 24th minute, setting the tone for the rest of the match. As the game progressed, RTC FC continued to dictate the tempo, exploiting gaps in Namlha FC’s defence with precision. Their midfielder, Yeshi Gyeltshen, found the back of the net with his header in the 33rd minute. The home team midfielders controlled the game with their impeccable ball control and distribution, while the defence stood resolute, denying any chances for Namlha FC to stage a comeback. 5 minutes before the actual break, Sherub Dorji hit an absolutely wonderful shot from an impossible angle to lead by three goals at halftime. RTC FC smashes Namlha FC at RTC Astro Ground The second half saw RTC FC relentless in their pursuit of goals, putting Namlha FC under immense pressure. The opposition struggled to cope with RTC FC’s cohesive teamwork and attacking combinations. However, Namlha FC pulled one through on the penalty. However, RTC FC’s striker Sonam Jugdrul was on fire, adding three more to his tally, leaving the spectators in awe of their footballing prowess. To add on, Sherub Dorji stole the show with his worldie freekick, which was set up perfectly by his teammates. RTC FC’s victory was comprehensive and well-deserved. The team erupted with joy as the final whistle blew, celebrating their team’s remarkable display. This resounding victory will undoubtedly boost RTC FC’s confidence and serve as a stepping stone for their upcoming matches this season. Tomorrow Transport United FC will play against Druk Lhayul FC at Changlimithang National Stadium.

In the clash of giants at Woochu Sports Arena, Paro FC welcomed their title contender rivals of previous seasons, “Thimphu City FC,” for their second home match. To date back to their head-to-head record last season, Paro FC won one game at Changlimithang National Stadium that decided the title and drew at Paro Sports Arena in the first leg. Thimphu City FC started the game quite nicely, getting control over the ball and getting the ball into the opposition box quite frequently. They got an excellent opportunity in the 2nd minute of the game when Dawa did lots of dancing inside the Paro FC box and crossed to Karma Shedrup, who flicked the ball to Chencho Gyeltshen, who pulled the trigger. However, his shot was blocked by Florent. Thimphu City FC players appealed for a handball, but it was overturned by the referee after reviewing the VAR. In the next minute, Paro FC registered a shot on target from their striker, Kazuo, after a counter from them; however, the shot was stopped quickly by his Japanese counterpart. Thimphu City FC also got an excellent opportunity in the 6th minute from a counter. Chencho crossed the ball inside the box from the right flank. Gyeltshen Zangpo, the goalkeeper, came out of his line to collect the ball, but the ball was out of his reach. Armand, who was unmarked by the Paro FC defender, leapt tall, but he failed to hit the target, and the ball went for a goal kick. Paro FC players came to a relieved halt after his header went out for the goal kick. Paro FC wins 3 games from 3 after defeating the citizens at Woochu Sports Arena The first half ended with Paro FC leading 1-0, but their relentless attack continued into the second half. Just two minutes after the break, Evans unleashed a blistering run on the right flank and triggered a powerful shot from a tight angle, sending the ball soaring into the net and doubling the lead for his team. Thimphu City FC struggled to find a response as they were thwarted by a solid defensive performance from Paro FC’s backline. The midfielders were relentless in their pressing and transition play, creating numerous opportunities for the forwards to exploit the opposition’s defence. In the 50th minute, Evan again used his pace and counter into Thimphu City FC’s penalty area and shot a powerful shot that hit the left bar and bounced back inside the ground. Phurpa Wangchuk collected the ball inside the box and hit another powerful shot, which hit the net, extending Paro FC’s lead to 3-0. Thimphu City FC’s hopes of staging a comeback seemed to fade away as they found it difficult to penetrate the well-organized defence. In the 59th minute, Chencho was brought down by the captain of Paro FC, Kinley Wangchuk, and was given a penalty after consulting with the VAR assistant. Armand, who has scored five goals for the citizens in his two appearances, stood up to take the spot kick. However, his shot was saved by Gyeltshen Zangpo, who went in the right direction. Chencho Gyeltshen had a day to forget as he visits his previous club Paro FC’s Evans proved to be the standout performer of the match. In the 82nd minute, he capitalized on the final goal of the match, pouncing on a loose ball to complete his brace and further cement Paro FC’s dominance with a commanding 4-0 lead. Despite the scoreline, Thimphu City FC did not give up and tried to salvage some pride with a late surge, but their efforts were in vain as the home team’s goalkeeper and defence stood firm, denying any chance of a consolation goal. With a score line of 4-0, this is the first time between the two teams, that Thimphu City FC has lost by the biggest goal margin over the years.  The final whistle blew, and Paro FC celebrated a convincing victory over their rival, stamping their authority as a serious contender for this season’s championship.  In the Press Conference, Paro FC head coach, Mr. Puspalal, said that the win over the city will boost the morale of the Paro FC players as they prepare for the AFC Cup and added that he did not expect that his team would win by that goal margin. On the other hand, the head coach of Thimphu City FC, Mr. Ngawang Dendup, stated that they will have to regroup and come back stronger in their pursuit of glory for the remainder of the season.

Right from the kickoff, Druk Lhayul FC showed their intent to secure their first win of the season. They got their first shot on target of the match right after the kickoff from their striker, Myanmar Anug Khaw Naing, which was saved by the goalkeeper. However, in the 17th minute, he opened his Druk Lhayul FC account by scoring with a clinical finish, giving his team the early lead. Ugyen Academy FC tried coming back into the game with lots of forward passes, but they were unable to break the defence of Druk Lhayul FC. On the other hand, a blessing in disguise came for Druk Lhayul FC as they got their second through Sonam Jordan (his second for Druk Lhayul FC) after he confidently placed the ball in an empty net after the goalkeeper of Ugyen Academy FC failed to clear his ball far. The first half ended 2-0 in favour of Druk Lhayul FC, but the drama had just begun. Anug Khaw Naing scored his first goal of the season and Sonam Jordan scored his second for Druk Lhayul FC As the second half kicked off, both teams intensified their attacks, eager to claim victory. However, Ugyen Academy FC responded with resilience and started building up their front three with lots of short passes, trying to break down the defence. They were rewarded for their hard work with a penalty after reviewing the VAR, in the 54th minute after Tandin Dorji was held inside by the opposition defensive midfielder, “Takuya”. Kelzang Jigme stood up for the penalty and hit a powerful shot, Tshering Dendup drove the right way and got a finger on it, but the shot was too powerful for him to stop it. However,  in the 59th minute, Druk Lhayul FC gave a swift reply through Alui Oradiran and extended Druk Lhayul FC’s lead with a composed free header from a freekick from the mid-third. However, Druk Lhayul FC wasn’t finished yet. Unmarked Anug Khaw scored his second of the night in the 61st minute from inside the box, showcasing his striking prowess and further extending the lead to 4-1. The super sub of the game, Phub Dorji, made his debut for Druk Lhayul FC with a goal right after he came on in the 70th minute, making the scoreline unable to reach the mighties. Tenzin Dorji of Druk Lhayul FC becomes the third person to get a red card this season after clearing the ball with his hands from goal As the clock ticked down, the game seemed to be slipping away from Ugyen Academy FC until they were given another penalty after consulting VAR. Kelzang Jigme stepped up again, converting another penalty in the 77th minute, keeping his team in the fight. On the contrary, he scored all three spot kicks that were given to him for this incident, as both of his previous two conversions were ruled out because the players got inside the penalty area before the ball was kicked. Ugyen Academy FC, despite the uphill battle, displayed remarkable fighting spirit and yet was awarded a penalty, and Tenzin Dorji was shown a straight red card for clearing off a ball with his hand from the goal line. Kelzang Jigme, who scored the previous two penalties, completed his hat-trick from the penalty spot in the 82nd minute, reducing the deficit to 5-3. The late stages of the match were frenetic, with both teams pushing forward relentlessly. In the 87th minute, Phub Dorji made his presence felt for the team and scored his second goal of the match, seemingly putting the result beyond doubt with Druk Lhayul FC leading 6-3. However, Ugyen Academy FC continued to show their resilience and spirit, putting lots of pressure on the defensive third of the opposition, and in additional time, Santa managed to find the net, bringing the score to 6-4 at full time. Druk Lhayul FC celebrated their first win of the season thrillingly, while Ugyen Academy FC left the field with their heads held high, having shown immense determination and fighting spirit throughout the match.