Thinley Namgay 

Tsirang FC registered their first win defeating Samtse FC 3-2 in the ongoing Pepsi Bhutan Premier League (BPL) Qualifiers at Royal Thimphu College’s (RTC) football pitch yesterday.

Tsirang FC was losing the game to Samtse FC 2-1 at the end of regular time. However, Tsirang scored two goals in quick succession in added time. Tsirang’s Phurpa Tenzin and Karma Wangdi scored in the 91st and 92nd minutes to finish the game 3-2.  

Samtse FC took the lead when Suresh Kumar Chettri scored eight minutes into the game.  Not long after, Tsirang’s Bikash Rai equalised at the 15th minute. The first half ended 1-1.

Both teams played decisively in the next half. Samtse broke the deadlock in the 75th minute through Suresh Kumar Chettri.

Tsirang’s Coach Tul Bahadur Rai said, “I am glad that my players did well. It is encouraging after losing to Gelephu FC 2-3 in our first game.”

He said that Samtse FC played a quality game. “Compared to their first game against Phuentsholing City FC, they played decisively against us. It could be due to their exposure.”

Tsirang will play against Phuentsholing City FC on May 11. “Phuentsholing City FC is a competent team. We will train well and try our best,” the coach said.

On May 4, BFF Academy drew Namlha FC 2-2. Phuentsholing City FC will face South Druk United FC on May 8.

Pepsi BPL Qualifiers 2023 began on April 30 and has eight teams including four from the southern dzongkhags competing. They have played seven matches as of yesterday.