Kuenjung FC retained its title as the champions when it beat CJ Galaxy (5:3) to lift the trophy in the finals of the Gyalsey Futsal league on July 15 at Changlimithang, Thimphu.

A total of 28 teams competed in the league, which kicked off on July 1. The team has won all 16 finals of futsal tournaments held across the country since 2012.

The much-experienced squad, Kuenjung FC took hold of the game and netted an opener three minutes after it started. Eleven minutes into the game, when debutant CJ Galaxy, was adapting to the pressure and fastball situation of the game, the highest goal scorer, Til Bhadur Mukhia scored their second goal.

The match intensified when CJ Galaxy scored its first goal in the same minute, promising to challenge the experienced squad with crosses and powerful long-range shots. In the 15 minute, Kuenjung scored its third goal. Four minutes later, CJ Galaxy scored their second and took hold of the pitch.

They moved the ball faster and worked hard to find an equaliser but missed several chances near the post. But two minutes before half time, CJ Galaxy netted an equaliser.

Kuenjung came back strong in the second half. The squad maintained a good defense and scored two more goals when the final whistle was blown. The game ended 5:3 with Kuenjung FC bagging a cash prize of Nu 35,000. Runners up CJ Galaxy took home Nu 20,000. Tenzin Jamtsho of CJ Galaxy was awarded the league’s best goalie title with a cash prize of Nu 20,000. The highest scorer Til Bhadur Mukhia of Kuenjung won a round trip ticket to Bangkok.

Captain of Kuenjung FC, Jamyang Gyeltshen, said, it’s a dream come true for the team to win their 16th trophy. “The final against CJ Galaxy was a tough game as we were playing them for the first time and most of our players were injured,” said the captain.

Kuenjung FC defeated Paro College of Education in the semi final (7:4) in a penalty shootout while CJ Galaxy defeated Motherland FC (6:1).

Captain of CJ Galaxy, Tshering Tashi, said, that they doubted a win in the final as they were playing final for firs time in the league. “We are happy with the result as we could reach the final in our debut,” he said.

An exhibition match between the women’s team of Thimphu City and Mandala FC in the finals saw the former winning at (10:3). The match was organised to promote women empowerment through sports and a certificate and medal was awarded to Yeshey Dema of Changstallion for being the first female manager.

Relation manager at Team Happy, Jigme Singye, said, that the tournament was successful. “We are happy that we could keep hundreds of youth engaged during summer break,” he said.

Nima