Tshering Namgyal | Mongar

Bhutan Premier League champions Paro FC netted five goals against FC Youngster in the opening match of the Bhutan Football Federation (BFF) President Cup in Gyalpozhing, Mongar yesterday.

The match was initially expected to be a one-sided game but the home team displayed strong defending to thwart Paro FC’s attacks until the 33rd minute, when striker Yeshi Dorji broke the deadlock with an easy header.

Paro skipper Kinley Wangchuk doubled the lead when he converted the spot-kick at end of the first half.

The man of the match, Yeshi Dorji, scored his second goal in the second half and his team added two more. FC Youngster managed their first goal in the 69th minute labelling the final score at 5-1.




In the second match, Druk Lhayul FC and Ugyen Academy (UA) FC settled for a goalless draw. UA player Kelzang Jigme was awarded man of the match for his excellent performance in the midfield.

Thimphu City FC will face Sherubtse FC today at 3pm.

Hundreds of excited spectators watched the match from outside the fencing of the artificial turf at the BOC complex after they were restricted entry.

BFF officials said the restriction was imposed following the order of the dzongkhag administration amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

According to the BFF, the tournament is the biggest tournament the federation has ever organised in the eastern region. The top five teams from the Bhutan Premier League: Paro FC, Thimphu City FC, Transport United FC, Druk Lhayul FC and Ugyen Academy FC, as well as two local teams, FC Youngster from Monggar and Sherubtse Football Club from Trashigang, are participating in the tournament.




BFF officials said it organised this tournament in the east to promote football across the country evenly.

The 10-day tournament is expected to keep the players of top BPL clubs engaged during the off-season. It is also to provide an opportunity for local teams to compete against the best and to promote football in the eastern region.

The tournament will be organised annually in different identified venues beginning next year, BFF officials said.