Phuentsholing United FC suffered 2-0 loss, to Thimphu City FC, the runners-up team in the previous edition at the opening of the BOB national league in Changlingmithang yesterday. 

Despite entering the league as a new team and poor performance by the past clubs from Phuentsholing, Phuentsholing United stopped the league’s favorite Thimphu City FC to a goalless second half.

Thimphu City FC played the match as the stronger team with the whole squad having the experience of playing several international matches. The team also has two foreign players, from Brazil and Australia this edition.

After missing most of the games in Thimphu League, Tshering Dorji scored an opener for Thimphu City in the 27th minute with a stunner from outside the 16-yard box. The skipper played fewer games because of an injury earlier this year. 

Changlingmithang also favored Alberto Martins from Brazil to be the first foreign national to enter the score sheet. The forward scored from a defensive mistake of the debutant in the 38th minute, which gave Thimphu City the 2-0 lead in the first half. 

Thimphu City’s team captain, Tshering Dorji said his team could not perform better. “The opponent played strong. They have some players from Sikkim and also several young players,” he said. “We only played one training match because most of our players were involved in SAFF Suzuki Cup championship. Team coordination did not work well.”

Phuentsholing United FC’s chance to score their opener came in the 44th minute from a cross that came from the left flank. However, the chance could not be converted although the 16-yard box was filled with its forwards. 

Its coach Lobzang Dorji said his players were not adapted to playing in such weather condition. “The team lacked team coordination, as we had to switch our team formation,” he said. “We have to capitalise on the low-speed defense of the opponent in the next games.”

The club was formed earlier this year by a group of football enthusiasts from Phuentsholing. One of the club’s executive members Tashi Rabten said the club was formed to support youth and to provide a platform to exhibit their talents. 

Thimphu City FC also showed their support for the Yellow Ribbon Suicide prevention program to help create public awareness displaying safe and effective suicide prevention messages before the kickoff yesterday. 

Nima

Advertisement