Thunderbolts Seal Second Win of the Season in Thrilling Encounter
The Thunderbolts secured their second win of the season after a fast-paced and event-filled clash, as Thimphu FC overcame Ugyen Academy FC in a dramatic contest defined by early goals, tactical changes, and a standout hat-trick from Richard Kofi Junior Wilson.
The match exploded into life almost immediately. In the 3rd minute, debutant Chizoba Christopher Iyikwobe opened his account for Thimphu FC, finishing off a well-worked move assisted by skipper Chencho Gyeltshen to give the visitors an early advantage.
Tempers briefly flared in the 8th minute when Thimphu FC’s Nima Yoezer and Ugyen Academy skipper Jigdrel were involved in a heated exchange. The referee swiftly intervened, and both players were shown yellow cards to calm the situation.
In the 16th minute, Richard Kofi Junior Wilson doubled Thimphu FC’s lead with a clinical finish. However, Ugyen Academy FC responded quickly, pulling one back just four minutes later through Ronit Rai, who struck a well-taken volley to keep the contest finely balanced.
Both sides continued to press with intensity, maintaining a high tempo throughout the first half.
Tactical adjustments followed after the break, with Thimphu FC making their first change in the 46th minute as Dawa Tshering replaced Kritish Ratna Chhunju to strengthen midfield control.
The second half, however, belonged to Richard Kofi Junior Wilson.
In the 58th minute, he struck again to extend Thimphu FC’s lead, completing his brace after a powerful effort that hit the woodwork before nestling into the net, with Chencho Nio providing the assist. The Thunderbolts’ attacking rhythm continued to trouble Ugyen Academy’s backline.
Ugyen Academy FC responded once more through Santa Kumar Limboo in the 61st minute, capitalizing on a costly error from Pramijay Gachhadar, who failed to deal with a long cross, allowing Santa to head home and reduce the deficit.
The match continued to see a series of substitutions as both coaches looked to influence the outcome:
74’: Phuntsho Tashi came on for Jigme Wangchuk
Jamyang Lhendrup Choeda replaced Ugyen Thinley
Despite these changes, Thimphu FC remained composed, controlling possession and threatening on the counter.
The decisive moment arrived in the 83rd minute when Richard Kofi Junior Wilson completed his hat-trick. From a set-piece situation, Tenzin’s header found Richard in space, and he made no mistake, firing a left-footed finish to seal a remarkable individual performance and confirm the season’s second hat-trick.
As the match drew to a close, further substitutions were made:
88’: Sonam Jugdrul Chozang replaced Chizoba Christopher Iyikwobe (Thimphu FC)
Sonam Loday replaced Ngawang Sonam (Ugyen Academy FC)
90’+1’: Sonam Wangchuk replaced Chhimi Dorji (Ugyen Academy FC)
90’+1’: Karma Dorji Wangchuk came on for Chencho Nio (Thimphu FC)
These late changes reflected Thimphu FC’s game management as they comfortably saw out the victory.
After a thrilling sequence of goals, substitutions, and attacking football, Thimphu FC emerged victorious, powered by Richard Kofi Junior Wilson’s sensational hat-trick performance.
The match also marked the debut of two Thimphu FC players: Chizoba Christopher Iyikwobe, who announced himself with a goal, and William Opoku Asiedu, who impressed in midfield with his composure and creativity.
With this win, Thimphu FC move up to 7th place in the standings, while Ugyen Academy FC remain at the bottom of the table with just a single win so far this season.