Bhaichung Bhutia starts coaching career with defeat

Bhaichung Bhutia’s new role as interim coach of United Sikkim didn’t get off to the best of starts as the club he co-owns were beaten by Sporting Clube de Goa 2-1 in Margao on Sunday. The former India captain also became the first individual to play and coach a team in the I-League as he came on in the 77th minute.

The Indian football icon made four changes to the starting eleven that got embarrassed 1-10 by Prayag United last week as Sandesh Jhingan, Zenith Mashangva, Sahensha Ansari and Nadong Bhutia all got starts.

Hosts Sporting Clube raced to a two-goal lead through Seiya Sugishita and Ogba Kalu Nnanna but Sikkim slowly grew into the game and pulled one back before halftime through Jhingan.

Compared to the first half, United Sikkim saw more of the ball in the second period but Sporting Clube limited them to very few clear cut chances.

After getting his first taste of the technical area, Bhaichung replaced Zenith in the 77th minute but even his introduction couldn’t bring an equaliser for Sikkim although he did last longer than his first appearance, which ended after six minutes as he was sent off following two yellows against Pailan Arrows two weeks back.

United Sikkim are second from bottom with four points from six matches and next up have another away match against Pune FC.