Sherubtse College FC defeated Penchhas FC 5-3 to become the champions of the first Chancellor’s Cup tournament in Kanglung on June 9.

As a precautionary measure, the game started on a much slower pace compared to the previous games. While Penchhas focused on building their game around their new striker, Tsenda Dorji, who plays for Thimphu FC, Sherubtse FC tried to capitalise on counter attacks.

Within the first 10 minutes of the match, Sherubtse made three on-target attempts but could not beat goalie Kinga Tashi.

The match continued as both teams struggled to break the deadlock. It was in the 35th minute when Sonam Dargay’s powerful strike from inside the box slipped past Sherubtse goalie that Penchhas took the lead.

The lead, however, was short-lived as an own-goal from a defensive error in the 42nd minute put Sherubtse right back in the game. Two minutes later, skipper Tenzin Thinley headed in his first goal of the match to give Sherubtse the lead just before the break.

Four minutes into the second half, Tenzin Thinley booted in his second goal of the match. A minute later Penchhas’s Sonam Rabgay brought the deficit to a single goal.

However, two more goals from Sherubtse in the 79th and 88th minutes sealed the victory for the college team. Tenzin Thinley went on to score a hat trick. Tsenda Dorji scored his first in the 90+3 minutes.

“It was a tough game but we played as a team. We coordinated well and despite having talented players in the opposition team, we won as a well synchronised team,” said Tenzin Thinley. “The victory is dedicated to all the outgoing players who would be graduating this month.”

Along with a trophy, the winners were awarded a cash prize of Nu 130,000 and individual medals. The runners up bagged Nu 80,000, a trophy and individual medals.

Meanwhile, with 17 goals in two games, Tshering Dorji of Jigme Namgyel Engineering College scored the highest goals in the tournament. He was awarded Nu 5,000.

Education minister, Norbu Wangchuk awarded the prizes.

Organised by Sherubtse College and FIFA certified coach, Yonten Chophel, the month-long tournament saw 38 teams from Trashigang, Trashiyangtse, Samdrupjongkhar, Mongar and Pemagatshel.

Younten Tshedup |  Kanglung 

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