Tsirang FC Edge Out Ugyen Academy in Five-Goal Thriller

The Bhutan Premier League served up a dramatic encounter on 21 May 2026 as Tsirang FC staged a resilient performance to defeat Ugyen Academy 3-2 away from home. The match, played under lights at the Ugyen Academy ground, saw the visitors overturn an early deficit and hold off a late surge to claim all three points.

Match Overview

Ugyen Academy began brightly and took the lead in the 18th minute through a clinical finish from striker Dechen Wangchuk. However, Tsirang FC responded almost immediately, with Kinley Dorji equalising from a free kick in the 24th minute. The away side then took control before the interval: Sonam Tobgay turned home a cross in the 39th minute to make it 2-1 at half-time.

Tsirang continued to press after the restart and extended their advantage in the 56th minute when substitute Ram Kumar Ghalley finished a swift counter-attack. Ugyen Academy refused to give up and pulled one back in the 73rd minute through Wangchuk again, his second of the night. Despite intense pressure in the final 15 minutes, Tsirang’s defence held firm to secure a vital victory.

Key Moments

• 18' – Ugyen Academy 1-0: Dechen Wangchuk latched on to a through ball and slotted past the goalkeeper.
• 24' – Tsirang FC equalise: Kinley Dorji curled a free kick over the wall and into the top corner.
• 39' – Tsirang take the lead: Sonam Tobgay arrived unmarked to convert a low centre.
• 56' – Away side double the lead: Ram Kumar Ghalley swept home after a quick break.
• 73' – Ugyen Academy reduce the deficit: Wangchuk headed in from a corner for his second.

Tactical Story

Ugyen Academy started with a high pressing game and looked dangerous in wide areas. Yet Tsirang FC absorbed the early pressure and exploited spaces behind the home defence. The visitors’ switch to a more compact shape after taking the lead disrupted Ugyen’s rhythm, and their quick transitions proved decisive. Late on, Ugyen threw numbers forward, but Tsirang’s central defenders Tshewang Dendup and Pema Thinley made crucial clearances to preserve the win.

Standout Players

• Dechen Wangchuk (Ugyen Academy): The striker bagged a brace and was a constant threat, but lacked support from teammates in the final third.
• Kinley Dorji (Tsirang FC): Scored the equaliser and controlled the midfield with his passing range.
• Ram Kumar Ghalley (Tsirang FC): Made an impact off the bench with a composed finish that proved the match-winner.

Impact on the Bhutan Premier League Standings

The three points lifted Tsirang FC into third position in the league table, putting them within striking distance of the top two. Ugyen Academy, meanwhile, slipped to sixth after a third consecutive defeat, but remain just five points clear of the relegation zone. With several matches still to play, both teams will view this result as a turning point in their respective seasons.

Tsirang FC’s resilience on the road underlines their growing reputation as a side that can grind out results. For Ugyen Academy, the performance showed attacking promise but defensive frailties that must be addressed quickly.