Thinley Namgay

Despite maintaining significant ball possession, Bhutan’s senior national men’s football team lost 1-0 to Bangladesh in their first match of the FIFA Friendly at  the Changlimithang Stadium in Thimphu yesterday.

The tempo of the game was slow from both sides.

Bhutan fielded a young squad this time, and their passing precision was commendable. However, their attacking efforts were limited. Many attribute this to the limited training together under the new coach who joined last month.

Bhutan conceded a goal five minutes into the game due to a mistake by the goalkeeper. Instead of holding onto the ball within a short distance from the opposing player near the post, the goalkeeper punched it into the path of the opponent, leading to an easy goal. 

Bhutan enjoyed commendable ball possession in the first half. However, most of the passes didn’t go beyond the centre of the pitch.

Bhutan’s new striker, Dilip Monger, didn’t get an opportunity to score in the first half. Bangladesh played a defensive game and their players stayed relaxed in their respective positions.

During the three minutes of added time in the first half, one of the opponent’s players collapsed on the pitch, and the referee called for a stretcher.

However, one of the stretcher bearers who went to pick up the Bangladeshi player also fell to the ground. He was then taken to the national referral hospital by ambulance.

The first half ended 1-0 in favor of Bangladesh.

Compared to the first half, Bhutan played more swiftly in the second half, but it wasn’t enough to break the strong defensive line of the opponent. There were also many missed passes.

Bangladesh was quick to respond whenever they had the chance. Despite playing at an altitude of around 2,400 metres above sea level without their home crowd, Bangladesh displayed a mature performance yesterday.

Crucial national players such as Chencho Gyeltshen, Tsenda Dorji, and Lobzang Chogyal, who contributed to Bhutan’s success against Hong Kong last October, were missing from the team.

The next match is scheduled for September 8 at Changlimithang Stadium.