Bangladesh’s Maria scores on birthday, sisters clash as Thimphu win league opener

After weeks of delay, the 2025 BoB Bhutan Women's National League finally kicked off in Thimphu on Saturday, with Thimphu City WFC claiming a dramatic 4–2 victory over Ugyen Academy in a pulsating season opener.

All eyes at Changlimithang Stadium were on Thimphu's star-studded line-up, featuring Bhutan captain Pema Choden and Bangladesh internationals Maria Manda, Sanjida Akhter, and Shamsunnahar -- vital cogs of the SAFF Women's Championship-winning squads of 2022 and 2024.

Thimphu starting lineup. Photo: Facebook

Chaos unfolded in the first half when Thimphu's goalkeeper, Nima Lhaden, was sent off after a collision with her own sister, Yangden Tshering of Ugyen.

Photo: Facebook

However, Thimphu's Indian forward Sonali Mondal drew first blood with a header in the 29th minute, and skipper Pema doubled the advantage just three minutes later, lashing home a clinical strike. Ugyen, however, refused to buckle as they equalised before half time.

The second half saw Bangladesh midfielder Maria Manda marking her 22nd birthday with a close-range header, capitalising on a fumble from the goalkeeper.

Although Ugyen reduced the deficit in the 59th minute, setting up a tense finish, Thimphu captain Pema had the final say as she sealed a brace and put the game to bed.

Today's fixture also marked a new chapter in Thimphu's resurgence. Founded in 2016, the club folded just three years later but has returned to the big stage reinvigorated and ambitious.

This year's competition features a record 36 foreign players from Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Hong Kong, and the USA. A late twist saw The Royal Academy Women FC withdraw, but Gelephu U-17 Academy stepped up to fill the gap, ensuring the 10-team competition remains on track for a month of thrilling football.