Bhutan’s national football team, featuring a largely inexperienced lineup, delivered a commendable performance, holding Yemen to a goalless draw in their AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers match at Changlimithang Stadium yesterday. With key players sidelined due to injury, including star striker Chencho Gyeltshen, the Dragon Boys relied on youthful determination and a solid defensive strategy to secure a crucial point in Group B.
Bhutan ranked 24 places below Yemen in the FIFA standings, entered the match as underdogs. However, the Dragon Boys started the match on the front foot, pressing high and creating early attacking chances.
Bhutan pushed forward with quick passing and long balls, testing Yemen’s defence. Bhutanese players looked sharp, making promising runs and keeping Yemen’s backline under pressure.
As the first half progressed, Yemen began to settle and gain control. Just before halftime, they increased their attacking intensity, forcing Bhutan to drop deep. Goalkeeper Tobgay made crucial saves to deny Yemen’s efforts, ensuring the score remained level at the break.
In the second half, Bhutan’s well-coordinated defence held firm, forcing Yemen into difficult shots from distance.
While Bhutan spent much of the second half defending, they looked dangerous on the counterattack. Quick transitions and long balls created scoring opportunities.
Bhutan’s coach instructed the players to execute zonal marking, which means players defend specific areas of the pitch rather than marking individual opponents.
Captain Nima Wangdi said that, despite many players being young and both the striker and left defender making their international debuts, the team performed well.
However, with experienced striker Chencho Gyeltshen and winger Dawa Tshering ruled out due to injury, Bhutan struggled in the final third.
“With Chencho Gyeltshen injured, we lacked an experienced striker. If he had played, we would have had a great chance to win. However, I am extremely proud of my teammates, and we remain focused on the next challenge,” said Nima Wangdi, Captain of Bhutan National Team.
The technical director praised the young squad for their strong performance and potential. While mistakes happen, he believes experience and more matches will sharpen their execution.
“We saw a few mistakes, mainly due to a lack of experience in execution. However, it is encouraging to see a clear playing style taking shape. The team is trying to implement a structured approach on the pitch. We attack with three defenders and switch to five when defending, ensuring balance in our gameplay,” said Chencho Dorji, Technical Director at the Bhutan Football Federation Academy.
From the draw, Bhutan earned a crucial point in Group B, where they will also face Brunei and Lebanon.
In the other Group B match, Lebanon trashed Brunei 5-nil, leading the group by three points.
Meanwhile, Bhutan now shifts focus to their clash against Brunei on June 10, looking to build on yesterday’s solid performance.
Karma Wangdi
Edited by Kipchu
