Thinley Namgay

Southern City FC and Daga United FC settled for a 2-2 draw following an intense match in their last game of the Pepsi Bhutan Premier League (BPL) Qualifiers on April 2 in Gelephu.

With this match, both teams completed all seven games of the league.

Southern City’s hope for the BPL has become uncertain. The team could manage only 11 points.

The game on April 2 wasn’t critical for Daga United as the team has already qualified for the BPL 2024. However, Daga United left no stone unturned to ensure a competitive match, which the team has been doing all the time in this Pepsi League.

For Southern City FC, it was crucial as the team has been battling for the three remaining seats in the BPL.

Southern City’s coach Ganga Ram said, “It was a big lesson for my team. The opponent was playing a decisive match despite qualifying for BPL. I think all teams should play like this regardless of points.”

“If Thimphu Raven FC defeat Tsirang FC on April 4, my team has a chance to grab a spot for the BPL,” he said, adding that Thimphu Raven FC will be playing at their home ground.

For the three pending BPL seats, Ugyen Academy FC with 11 points, Samtse FC with 10 points, Tsirang FC with 10 points, and Phuentsholing Heroes FC with nine points have one more game each to play, which poses significant challenges for Southern City FC.

Thimphu Raven FC will face Tsirang FC today at the Changlimithang Stadium. Raven FC is in relegation as of yesterday with a point. However, the team has home advantage.

Phuentsholing Heroes FC will face Namlha FC  tomorrow at the Changlimithang Stadium, and it is likely that Phuentsholing Heroes FC will seal the game considering Namlha’s performances in the last six games.

Namlha was able to acquire only a point. However, if Namlha manages a draw, Phuentsholing Heroes won’t make it to the BPL.

Ugyen Academy FC will play against Samtse FC on April 6 in Samtse, and the match is expected to be highly competitive. Both teams are strong.