Following an impressive triumph at Punakha, Thimphu City turn their attention toward Paro Rinpung this weekend.
The reds are currently on top of the table, equal on points with Paro FC. Paro’s huge win against Gomo yesterday puts City in a must-win position when they meet Rinpung on Saturday. A smidgeon of complacency by the cityzens would see the tigers pounce back.
It has been a season to forget for Rinpung, currently sitting third from bottom. Losing 10 in 12 games, their two wins came against the bottom two clubs, Gomo and Gelephu, in the first round. Just two days ago, Rinpung were beaten 3-8 at home by fellow new boys and champions of Thimphu, Druk Lhayul. This season, no one has conceded more than the Paro outfit, having surrendered 67 times already.
The last time the two sides met, City smashed 15 goals without reply, making it season 2021’s record goals in a single game. Veteran striker Yeshey Dorji scored four goals, while Nima Tshering found the net three times. Two Thimphu City (TC) academy graduates, Kelden Tobgay (2) and Palden Tshering (1) were also on the scoresheet. Karma Shedrup, Dawa Tshering, Orgyen Wangchuk, Tshering Dorji and Karma Sonam were the other players who scored a goal each.
For the first time this season, Ngawang Dhendup will be without his talismanic playmaker Orgyen Wangchuk. After controversially receiving the second yellow card against UA, the midfielder will be serving his one-game suspension. Rightly so, the boss was not happy to lose the 20-year-old who has assisted nine goals and scored five times in 12 outings so far. However, Ngawang insisted that he has some talented midfielders at his disposal to fill up the space left.
