Transport United’s striker Kencho Tobgay scored a brace in the 66th minute against Thimphu City FC to seal the 2-1 win at the Changlingmithang yesterday in the ongoing BoB national league 2018.

The forward scored both goals within a minute to help his club record two wins in a row. Transport United was a goal behind after it conceded an early goal from Thimphu City’s forward from Brazil, Alberto Martins.

Kencho Tobgay has played a decisive role in Transport United’s several important matches since he joined the club in 2017.

The forward played a vital role in the club’s national league (6-3) win against Thimphu City in the second leg and confirmed the national league title for Transport United. His lone goal in the last match against Thimphu City decided the first Thimphu league title for Transport United FC in July this year.

Kencho Tobgay was also named man of the match yesterday. He is the first player to win the award twice in a row in the league. “I thought we would be able to get the work done. This was the expected result of the team,” he said.  “The match against them (Thimphu City) is important because they are our toughest opponent. If we win against them, other teams are easier.”

Including the match against Transport United, coach Pema managed two matches with Thimphu City. The interim coach recorded one win and one loss with the club.

Thimphu City’s manager Pema Rinchen said the team performed well in the first half.  “Mistakes in defense works and loss of concentration in the second half cost us the match today,” he said.

Thimphu City will be back with its coach Passang Tshering in the next match. However, Pema Rinchen said that Alberto Martin’s return with the squad in the remaining fixtures was uncertain. The forward was taken out towards the end of second half following an injury.

Transport United and Thimphu City will meet for the eighth time in less than two years next month. In the last six meetings of the two, Transport United won three matches and Thimphu City won one match and settled for two draws.

Earlier in June this year, Transport United humbled defending champions, Thimphu City FC with 1-0 win to stop the club from being the first team from the capital to win Thimphu league for three consecutive years since 2014.

This was followed after the duo played a tough competition in the national league 2017 season. Transport United entered the league as Thimphu league’s runner up team and Thimphu City as the winner.

Transport United won a spot to play AFC Cup qualifiers after finishing as the champions of the national league 2017. However, the club’s performance in the qualifier was satisfactory.

While playing two legged qualifier match against Indian Super League team, Bengaluru FC earlier this year, Transport United ended goalless despite Bengaluru fielding young players in its qualifiers.

The winner of the league qualifies to play AFC cup qualifiers.

Nima

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