… Captain Sonam Tshomo will not play the remaining matches owing to a sprained knee

Thinley Namgay 

Bhutan’s under (U)-19 national women’s team will play their second game against Bangladesh in the ongoing 2021 South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) U-19 Women’s Championship in Bangladesh.

Team Bangladesh was the 2018 Champion in the competition.

Bhutan trumped Sri Lanka in the opening match on December 11 at BSSS Mostafa Kamal Stadium in Dhaka, Bangladesh and secured three crucial points.

However, skipper Sonam Tshomo will not play today. She sprained her knee before the first goal. Officials said she is in good condition, but she will miss all the remaining games.

Head coach Tanka Maya Ghalley said: “The win against Sri Lanka was a great start to the tournament. Our women have higher morale now.”

“The game against Bangladesh is going to be tough. Nevertheless, that won’t stop us from giving our best,” she said.

Tanka Maya Ghalley said that she wouldn’t disclose who would replace Sonam Tshomo. “In every match, I have different tactics.”

Bhutan managed a comfortable win on Saturday, scoring four goals before the break.

The women surprised the opponent with three goals within 10 minutes. Midfielder Pema Yangzom scored in minute 21 in the game, followed by her brace a minute later. Striker Tshering Choden made it third in the 27th minute.

In the 45th minute, striker Sonam Lhamo made it 4-0.

Sri Lanka came back stronger and thwarted Bhutan’s efforts to score further. It was about to end without any additional goals from either side when the ball deflected from a Sri Lankan player, missed both the defender and the goalie, and found the net.

On the same day, Nepal and Bangladesh ended with a goalless draw in the second game. Sri Lanka will play today against India.

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