In a tight contest, the Champions of the Pepsi Thimphu League, Thimphu City could not register a goal against the first runners up of the league in the first match of the BOB National league on July 15.

Transport United’s draw in the previous league had ended Thimphu City’s invincible performance ending their winning streak at five games.

Thimphu City’s best chance came in the 83rd minute when striker Chencho Gyeltshen assisted mid fielder Orgyen Wangchuk breaking down two defenders in the penalty area. Goalkeeper Hari Gurung, who is known for critical saves, came to the rescue punching the ball over the bar.

Biren Basnet returned to Thimphu City squad after missing few games of Thimphu League. He blocked numerous potential crosses from the left flank.

Transport United won several free kicks posing greater threat to the Citizens. The team proved stronger after the break.

The team was close to finding a goal in the dying minute of the game when the newly signed striker Nagin Tamang was brought down by defender Chencho Neo of Thimphu City near the 18-yard box. The following free kick was punched away by the goalkeeper.

Another chance for the team to find the back of net came in the 94th minute when the close range header from striker Kencho Tobgay, who moved from Drukstar recently, was punched to safety by Goalie Ngawang Jamphel.

The game ended in a draw with both teams registering a point each on the league table.

Transport United Coach Ngawang said they expect to play better in the national league with several changes made in the squad.

“We’ve foreign players in our squad. We’ll try hard to be the best in the competition,” said the coach.

Thimphu City will play against Phuentsholing City this Wednesday while Transport United will play against Thimphu FC on Sunday.

Meanwhile, Ugyen Academy FC humbled Phuentsholing City FC netting six times at the PSA ground, Phuentsholing yesterday. In the other match, Paro United and Thimphu FC ended in goalless draw.

Nima