…threatening the defending champions’ otherwise comfortable hold on the title 

Thinley Namgay

In what could be one of the biggest upsets in the ongoing BoB Bhutan Premier League (BPL), Druk Lhayul FC defeated defending champions Thimphu City FC 2-1 on September 5 at the Changlimithang Stadium. 

City suffered their first defeat of the season at a time when it was struggling to maintain its lead over title contenders Paro FC.

Despite an impressive 76 percent ball possession during the game, City failed to capitalise on the numerous opportunities they created. Druk Lhayul, on the other hand, took every possible opportunity to take the lead from the defending champions.

Accordingly, Lhayul’s Kelzang Jamtsho and Jigme Tshultrim rose to the occasion and scored two goals before the break.

Although the Cityzens fought back, they could manage only one goal from Phuntsho Jigme’s strike in the opening minute of the second half. City defeated Druk Lhayul by two goals to one during the first round of the tournament.  

Druk Lhayul’s head coach, Sonam Tenzin, said that winning a game against the defending champions was encouraging, and compared it to almost winning the title. 

“Weak or strong, we have been taking all our opponents and games very seriously and have given equal importance. In the next three games, we will keep the same spirit.”

City’s skipper, Tshering Dorji, said that the team could not capitalise on the many chances they had created during the game. He said that the team lacked ‘finishing’ that day.

As of yesterday, City had three games left in the season. With 38 points each, Thimphu City and Paro FC are on top of the league table. Paro FC however, has one  more game in hand.  

Tshering Dorji said that his team had to win all the remaining games against High Quality United FC, Transport United FC, and Paro FC to retain the title. “I’m confident we can do this.”

Edited by Jigme Wangchuk