Thinley Namgay
Royal Thimphu College FC (RTC FC) secured a spot in the semifinals of the 25th Budha Subba Gold Cup after a commanding 4-1 victory over Raja Club at Dharan Stadium in Nepal yesterday.
RTC will face Church Boys United of Nepal tomorrow.
Despite playing on foreign soil, RTC FC dominated the match. The team took an early lead in the ninth minute through Sonam Yeshey, maintaining a 1-0 advantage at halftime. In the second half, RTC FC extended their lead with goals from Sonam Jugdrul Chozang, Karma Tashi Jamtsho, and Nyenda Yoesel. Raja Club managed to score a lone goal in response.
The victory underscores RTC FC’s skill, determination, and rigorous preparation. Unlike many other participating teams, RTC FC does not feature any foreign players in its squad.
Sonam Yeshey was named Man of the Match for his outstanding performance. Speaking after the game, he expressed confidence in the team’s ability to perform well in the semifinal.
The Budha Subba Gold Cup features eight teams from Bhutan, India, and Nepal, divided into two pools.
RTC FC is placed in Pool A among three Nepali teams: Church Boys United, Nepal Police Club, and Raja Club.
While United Kurseong FC of India and Nepal’s Dharan FC, defending champion New Road Team (NRT), and Kakarvitta Football Training Centre (KF TC) are in Pool B.
RTC’s next opponent, Church Boys United, secured a 1-0 win over Nepal Police Club in the tournament’s opening match on February 1, setting the stage for a highly competitive semifinal clash.
From Pool B, United Kurseong FC defeated the home team, Dharan FC, in a penalty shootout on February 2. After a 1-1 draw in regular time, the game was decided in a penalty shootout where Kurseong won 7-6.
NRT and KFTC will face off today.
The tournament’s winner will take home a cash prize of 1 million Nepali rupees, while the runners-up will receive 500,000 rupees along with a trophy and medals.
The tournament is scheduled between February 1 and 8.
Established in 1999, the Budha Subba Gold Cup is one of the most prestigious club-level football tournaments in Eastern Nepal, drawing teams from across the region each year.