On Saturday, 5th October 2024, the highly anticipated match between Transport United FC (TUFC) and Thimphu City FC (TCFC) took place at Changlimithang Stadium. Both teams were eager to secure three points in this crucial fixture to maintain their momentum and hold the second position in the ongoing BOB Bhutan Premier League 2024.

As expected, the match was filled with intensity and drama, given the long-standing rivalry between the two sides. At one point, it seemed as though Thimphu City FC had the upper hand, leading significantly. However, in a stunning turn of events, despite Thimphu City FC’s comfortable lead, Transport United FC launched an extraordinary comeback. With eight minute were added after the full-time with TUFC still trailing 5-2. This added time, TUFC scored 3 goals to equalize. The team’s resilience and determination left the entire crowd in awe, as the boys displayed true fighting spirit right until the final whistle.

Despite the exciting nature of the match, a critical issue arose during stoppage time. In the 94th minute, Thimphu City FC substituted a Bhutanese player, Karma Shedrup Tshering, with a foreign player, Armand Beadoum. This substitution brought the number of foreign players on the field to five, which is a violation of Section 2, Article 2.14 (Competition System) of the Bhutan Premier League Regulations, which allows a maximum of four foreign players on the field at any time.

Transport United FC formally protested the infringement. After a thorough review by the Competition Department, based on reports from the Match Commissioner and referees, it was determined that Thimphu City FC had indeed violated the foreign player quota. As a result, the match was officially forfeited in favor of Transport United FC, with the victory and three points awarded to TUFC, along with a scoreline of 3-0.

Following this decision, both teams are now tied with 35 points on the league table after 16 matches, with Thimphu City FC still holding second place due to a superior goal difference (31 for TCFC and 22 for TUFC).

With only a few matches remaining, neither team can afford any further slip-ups as they vie for the coveted second position in the league.