Tsirang FC 2–4 BFF Academy U19: Young Stars Shine in Bhutan Premier League Upset

BFF Academy U19 delivered a stunning performance to defeat Tsirang FC 4–2 away in the Bhutan Premier League on May 11, 2026, at the Tsirang Sports Ground. Despite being the youngest team in the league, the Academy side showcased remarkable composure to claim a famous victory that lifted them off the bottom of the table.

Match Overview

Tsirang FC entered the match as favorites, sitting comfortably in mid-table and boasting a strong home record. However, BFF Academy U19 came out fearlessly and took the game to their hosts from the opening minute. The Academy’s high-pressing style and quick passing caught Tsirang off guard, and within twenty minutes, the visitors were 2–0 ahead.

The first goal came in the 8th minute when Academy left-winger Karma Dorji latched onto a through ball, cut inside, and fired low into the net. The second followed in the 19th minute as midfielder Pema Wangchuk curled a free kick over the wall and into the top corner. Tsirang pulled one back before half-time through a penalty, but the Academy restored their two-goal cushion early in the second half.

Key Moments

• 8' – Goal BFF Academy: Karma Dorji opens the scoring with a clinical finish after a fast break.
• 19' – Goal BFF Academy: Pema Wangchuk’s stunning free kick doubles the lead.
• 38' – Goal Tsirang: A penalty converted by veteran striker Sonam Tobgay after a handball in the box.
• 55' – Goal BFF Academy: Substitute Ugyen Tshering volleys home from a corner to make it 3–1.
• 70' – Goal Tsirang: Tobgay scores again, a close-range finish to make it 3–2 and set up a tense finale.
• 83' – Goal BFF Academy: A counter-attack sees Nima Gyeltshen race through and slot home to seal the 4–2 win.

Tactical Story

BFF Academy U19 coach Dorji Khandu set his team up in a flexible 4-3-3 that became a 3-4-3 in possession. The strategy relied on overlapping runs from the full-backs and quick transitions. Tsirang, playing a more conventional 4-4-2, struggled to track the Academy’s movement. The visitors’ defensive line, though young, held firm under pressure in the final stages, showing discipline beyond their years.

Tsirang’s second-half fightback was led by Sonam Tobgay, who used his experience to find space, but the Academy’s energy never waned. The fourth goal, scored against the run of play, broke Tsirang’s momentum and sealed the result.

Standout Players

• Pema Wangchuk (BFF Academy U19): The 17-year-old midfielder was outstanding, scoring a free kick and dictating play from midfield.
• Karma Dorji (BFF Academy U19): His pace and dribbling posed constant danger, netting the opener and assisting the fourth goal.
• Sonam Tobgay (Tsirang FC): Despite the loss, the veteran striker scored twice and worked tirelessly, showing why he remains a key figure.

Impact on the Standings

With this victory, BFF Academy U19 climbed to 8th place in the Bhutan Premier League, with 15 points from 17 matches, moving out of the relegation zone. Tsirang FC fell to 6th, now with 23 points, and missed a chance to close the gap on the top four. The result also marked BFF Academy’s first away win of the season, a morale-boosting achievement for development-focused side.

The Academy will hope this result signals a turnaround in their campaign, while Tsirang will need to regroup quickly as they face top-of-the-table Paro FC next week.