The defeat of Thimphu City FC by Transport United FC in the final match of the Presidents’ Cup came as a big surprise to most spectators yesterday. Without a single defeat in the entire league, Thimphu City FC were considered favourites to become Champions. But the game ended differently with Transport United being crowned the champions of the first edition of the BFF’s President’s Cup.
The two giants already met a week back during their league match on January 8. Thimphu City thrashed Transport United 3-1 in the match.
It was a neck and neck game in the final match of the tournament. Both teams pressed hard to score first, but the first half ended in a goalless draw.
In the second half, Transport United took the lead with a goal in the 80th minute. However, Thimphu City responded swiftly with an equalizer in just three minutes. The game ended in a one-one draw at the end of 90 minutes and went straight to a penalty shootout. Transport United won the shootout after Thimphu City missed two kicks.
According to Transport United’s Head Coach Bikash Pradhan, the club initially struggled to adapt to the new ground but were stronger in the final with better coordination and strategy.
“My boys are a little bit smaller and they are just coming up. They need the boost from the coaches and the squad members” he said.
“We won the match since we have a good bond among the players, coach and the team manager,” said Tshenda Dorji, who plays as a forward for Transport United FC.
According to Thinley Dorji, they could not compete with Thimphu City in their first meeting due to a lack of confidence. “We had good self-confidence and built better coordination among ourselves, so we won the competition.”
Seven teams which include the top five teams from the Bhutan Premier League took part in the tournament. It is the biggest tournament to be organized by the Bhutan Football Federation in the eastern region.
Sonam Tshering, Monggar
Edited by Yeshi Gyaltshen
