Thinley Namgay 

Druk Lhayul FC defeated Paro FC and won the first Coronation Cup yesterday at the Changlimithang Stadium in Thimphu.

In a penalty shoot-out, Druk Lhayul scored five goals whereas Paro FC scored only four goals.

In the intense game, the two teams didn’t score any goals even in added time.

The teams drew in two games in the league round.

Bhutan Football Federation awarded a cash prize of Nu 200,000 to Druk Lhayul FC along with the winning trophy. Paro FC was also awarded Nu 100,000 with a trophy.

Druk Lhayul’s coach, Kinley Tobden, said he was glad that his team won the final.

“It is not easy to win against Paro FC,” he said. “My heartfelt gratitude goes to all the players for an exceptional performance this season.”

The best player of the tournament was Tenzin Dorji of Druk Lhayul FC. He will get a free ticket to watch the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

Meanwhile, Druk Lhayul FC booked the final place after beating Thimphu City FC 1-0 on May 31. On May 27 and 29, the team defeated Transport United FC 2-1 and drew against Paro FC 0-0.

Paro FC had already grabbed the opportunity to feature in the final despite conceding a 3-0 loss against Transport United FC on May 31.

The four clubs contested in a league format tournament that began on May 18. Each team played twice against each other.

The tournament was conducted mainly to engage the top Bhutan Premier League (BPL) clubs  to engage before the 2022 BPL season in August.

After completing the league round with six games each on May 31, Druk Lhayul FC and Paro FC acquired nine points each.

Thimphu City FC and Transport United FC managed seven points each.

All the teams won two games each. However, Druk Lhayul FC and Paro FC had the advantage of having draw in three matches each.

The BPL qualifiers will begin this month where 10 teams will compete for the six spots.