Beats HQUFC 3-1
Thinley Namgay
Ugyen Academy FC (UAFC) booked three points from their first match in the BoB Bhutan Premier League (BPL) at home in Punakha defeating High Quality United FC (HQUFC) 3-1 on August 5.
This year’s Bhutan Super League Champions, HQUFC had fought resolutely but the hosts displayed much better passing accuracy and goal-scoring precision.
Backed by the home advantage, UAFC secured an early lead when unmarked Chuma Dorji Lepcha lashed on target in the 11th minute. However, HQUFC dropped back and defended to minimise any more damage in the first half.
Ugyen Academy renewed their attack in the second half and Chuma Dorji Lepcha scored a brace four minutes into the game. Despite the comfortable lead, Ugyen Academy mounted pressure on the opponents who displayed exceptional football occasionally.
High Quality players were not anywhere near what they used to be earlier this year. Their lacklustre performance let UAFC’s forward Kinga Wangchuk grab the third for the hosts in the 66th minute.
HQUFC’s striker Lhendup Dorji managed a consolation in 79th minute from the spot.
Despite losing to UAFC, HQUFC had almost maintained parity regarding the game stats. Ugyen Academy shot eight times in total whereas HQUFC fired five. HQUFC got more corner kicks (6-5).
Ugyen Academy’s head coach, Bikash Pradhan said that extreme heat had exhausted the players. “Some players told me that they had a melting sensation. My team has expected more goals being on home ground.”
UAFC has five national players. The opponents had two national players, Lhendup Dorji and Tenzin Thinley, both strikers.
HQUFC’s Manager, Dorji, said that he had expected a better game. “We couldn’t play and execute as per our tactics,” Dorji said. He blamed the ground condition was not good.
“My players were more adapted at the Changlimithang stadium. In the next match, we’ll come stronger.”
Dorji said that he was expecting a win against Paro United FC on August 11.
Paro FC, Thimphu City FC and UAFC have grabbed three points in the table so far. Paro FC will play Transport United FC at Woochu Sports Arena tomorrow.