The defending champions will be hoping to get back on track after a disheartening draw at Changlimithang as the boys prepare to meet Gomo FC next.
It was rather a two-points loss than a point win as 1-1 tie against Ugyen Academy meant the defending champions finished the first round in second place. Despite a strong showing, the host team was forced to come back from a deficit to split the honours. Ngawang Dhendup attributed his team’s inability to score goals to the opponents’ well-drilled defence. “Our team could not break through the UA defence. So that was the main reason where we couldn’t get [the] goal.”
But regardless of the outcome of that game, all’s not lost for the boys in red. With the fate still in their own hands, the team is eager to put the past behind and concentrate on the future, one game at a time. Thimphu City will travel for the first time this season to face Gomo at Khuruthang next.
Reds beat the champions of Punakha 7-1 in the reverse fixture back in May, equaling the club’s best opening day record in a domestic league. The last time we accomplished this feat was against FC Tertons in the Thimphu League in February 2017. We were crowned Thimphu’s invincible champions that season, winning 13 of our 14 games and drawing only once.
Current Form
Gomo stands in the ninth place of the table with three points after nine games. Their only win so far came at home beating Gelephu 5-1. Regardless of the results, the young and aspiring boys of Gomo have performed admirably against top clubs at home. Paro FC were made to work hard to earn three points as Yeshi Dorji’s only goal stood the difference at full time. And the first Punakha derby saw Ugyen Academy secure a 2-1 win only in the 84th minute. Only six of the 26 goals have been conceded at home, indicating that they are a difficult side to break down at UA Ground.
But on the other hand, City has been prolific in front of goal, scoring 49 goals thus far. The champions have also recorded 20 goals in nine games at UA ground since 2012. With two points adrift from top spot, the away team will be eager to get back on track after a disappointing game at Changlimithang.
The game will be on Monday, August 2, 2021 at 3PM BST.
