Thinley Namgay

Bhutan Football Federation (BFF) defeated Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Referral Hospital (JDWNRH) 4-2 in the finals of the Institutional Championship yesterday at Changlimithang Stadium in Thimphu.

BFF dominated the game with two early goals within the first 10 minutes.

Despite down with two goals, JDWNRH maintained a constant pace. JDWNRH’s Namgay Wangchuk pulled back one when he scored from the spot in the 27th minute.

With just a single goal difference, JDWNRH exerted more pressure and managed to equalise from striker Kelzang Tshering’s in 39th minute.

Just before the break, Kinley Dorji scored the third for BFF.

The second half saw more pressure from both the teams. BFF’s Chencho scored the fourth goal sealing the deal for the defending champions in the 61st minute.

JDWNRH’s chance to get back in the game was shot down when Namgay Wangchuk missed a penalty shot in 76th minute.

The winners were awarded a cash prize of Nu 80,000 and a trophy, while the runners up took home a cash prize of Nu 40,000 and a trophy.

BFF’s captain Passang Tshering said that it was an achievement for the team to win the tournament without losing a single game. Of the seven games, BFF won five and drew two.

“Our players lack fitness, experience was on our side. We had former national players on the team and with good teamwork we made it,” he said.

JDWNRH’s skipper, Kelzang Tshering said that his teammates performed well during the entire tournament. “We lost only in the finals despite the equal chances both the teams created,” he said. “We will return more prepared next year and hopefully lift the trophy.”

JDWNRH won the championship in 2017.

A total of 15 teams took part in the month-long tournament organised by Thimphu City FC.

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