Since the start of this year’s BoB Bhutan Premier League season, Paro FC and Thimphu City have dominated most of the matches. The two giants eventually clashed yesterday in the final match of the season which would decide the winner. The game ended in a draw but Paro FC took the title thanks to a two-point lead over their opponents.
With only one loss for both clubs in the entire season, many knew that either one would be the champions of the league. Before the big match yesterday, the two giants were separated by only 2 points with Paro FC leading the league table.
The game started with only a limited number of spectators. Although the match was broadcast live on BBS, the thrill of the game made people peek from the rooftops, and along the road on the hillside, over the Woochu Sports Arena.
Thimphu City FC started strong in the first half of the game pressuring the home team to a more defensive approach. The visitor’s goal came in from a long throw-in, which was converted by attacker Dawa Tshering in the 40th minute of the game.
The first half of the match ended in favour of Thimphu City FC. However, the home team found an equaliser at the hour mark in the second half. A free-kick from near the penalty box was converted with a marvellous header by striker Yeshey Dorji.
The back and forth battle kept everyone on their toes until the final whistle. Paro FC supporters and officials rushed onto the field with tears of joy and celebrated.
According to the Head Coach of Paro F.C., Puspa Lal Sharma, they were quite sure their opponents would bring about some changes in their attacking. “For us, it was enough to win with a draw. They had to win at any cost,” he said. “So basically, they would go all out and I felt that. So, we overloaded in the mid-field position and even our attackers were back in defending. Our strategy worked quite well”.
With a cash prize of Nu 2 M, he added that it would help in the sustainability of the club. Thimphu City FC stood second, followed by Transport United FC in the third position.
Ten teams from Punakha, Wangdue Phodrang, Paro and Thimphu took part in the league.
Tshering Dendup
Edited by Yeshi Gyaltshen
