Two draws from two remaining games is enough to win

Football: FC Terton’s chances of claiming the Yanmar Thimphu league championship with two matches to spare was spoiled when Druk United held the league leaders to a 1-1 draw yesterday.

A win could have made FC Tertons, who are already at 25 points, the first champions of the reformatted league. But they have to come from behind to take a point and still lead the table with a win or draws from the two remaining games ensuring them the title.

In fact, it was defending champions Druk United FC who came close to winning the match when they scored the first goal in the 68th minute. Striker Tshering Dhendup of Druk United FC pulled out a solo goal from inside the box off-footing Terton’s goalie Tshering Dhedup to the wrong side.

However, FC Terton equalised in less than 10 minutes of the goal. An assist from substitute Jigme Yonten created a chance for striker Ngawang Dhendup to equalise. Winger Jigme Yonten of Terton lured United’s goalie Tshering Dhendup to come out of his position and then passed the ball to Ngawang Dhendup who booted the ball into the open post.

Terton’s manager Tshering Phuntsho said that they were confident of winning the game. “We had several opportunities but our strikers failed to capatilise on it,” he said. “However, with only two more games we are certain to win the league.”

In the dying minutes of the game, Druk United FC could have won the match when a header from striker Sampa Tshering was ruled offside by the referee. Similarly a few wrong calls from the officials caused both the teams from changing the final score line.

Druk United’s coach Ashok said that the game was very competitive. “Both the teams had equal chances of winning. Our boys played exceptionally well today,” he said.

FC Terton will take on the third place Thimphu FC in their 11th game on May 20. Thimphu FC’s captain, Thinley Dorji, said that they are hopeful to win the game against Terton and keep the hopes of the other teams alive in the tournament. “We will be fighting till the end for our pride if not the title,” he said.

After nine games Thimphu City FC and Druk United FC are in the second place with 17 points each.

Meanwhile, Dzongrig FC suffered their tenth straight defeat in the tournament when Drukstar FC thrashed the basement boys 4-0 on Saturday.

 

Younten Tshedup

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