AFC Women's Champions League
Preliminary Stage - Group D: Royal Thimphu College FC (BHU) 1-2 Bam Khatoon FC (IRN)
Ritu Porna Chakma put the hosts ahead but Bam Khatoon fought back through efforts from Mona Hamoudi and Shahnaz Jafari as they boosted their hopes of progressing to the group stage.
Bam Khatoon were the quicker to settle and would have been in front in the 14th minute if not for the crossbar as Mona Hamoudi’s rasping drive from outside the box bounced off the woodwork with Royal Thimphu goalkeeper Sangita Monger well beaten.
Spurred on by the home crowd at Changlimithang Stadium, Royal Thimphu started to find their way forward, looking dangerous on the wider areas albeit without causing too much trouble for the Iranians.
However, that changed in the 27th minute when Chakma latched onto the ball from almost 30 yards out and her goal-bound effort was inadvertently pushed into her own net by Bam Khatoon custodian Mahdiyeh Molaei.
Parity was restored seven minutes later with Samaneh Chahkandi - sent through on the right - finding Hamoudi who side-footed the ball into the net past a rooted Sangita.
After the break, Royal Thimphu had a golden opportunity to retake their lead but Molaei reacted brilliantly to deny Monika Chakma from close range in the 53rd minute.
As the second half went on, both sides adopted a safety first approach, leading to minimal clear goalscoring chances created.
But there was to be a final twist to the game in the 75th minute when the influential Zahra Ghanbari floated a free-kick into the box that was nodded home by Jafari for the winner.
Bam Khatoon will complete their Group D fixture against Hong Kong, China’s Kitchee FC on Saturday but will have the opportunity to watch their next opponents in action on Wednesday when they face Royal Thimphu.
