On the evening of October 26, the semi-finals of the 2024 Lhasa “Village Super” Football League took place on the banks of the Lhasa River. The Nim County team faced off against the Jiri Street team. Despite only forming a week prior, the Nim County team struggled with coordination compared to their opponents. Jiri Street struck first, scoring in the first half, leaving Nim County trailing.

Football has a strong following in Lhasa, making this the inaugural “Village Super” Football League in the city, with 18 teams representing various counties and over 270 participants.

Before the match, the 34-year-old team captain, Nyima Tsiren, shared their strategy, stating, “Jiri Street is recognized as a strong team. Our plan is to hold them to a tie and force a penalty shootout; that’s our best chance.” He added that in their previous match against the Qamayang team from Mozhugongka County, they tied 2-2 and won in penalties 4-2.

This league features an eight-a-side format, with each half lasting 30 minutes. Leading up to the semi-finals, the Nim County team had won five consecutive matches. The roster consists of 13 players, including teachers, students, workers, and police officers from Nim County.

Thirty-six-year-old Tsiren Dongzhu, who works in an office, plays as a forward. “I’ve loved football since I first kicked a ball in 1998. Even after graduating and starting my career, I make it a point to play at least twice a week,” he said. Reflecting on the improvements in facilities, he noted, “Back in the day, we played in open fields, but now there are several well-maintained pitches in Nim County.” He recalled how he scored a crucial free kick in their last match to equalize and lead his team to victory. “If you play, you’ll understand that joy of scoring is unparalleled,” he chuckled.

As the first half progressed, the Nim County team remained composed despite the setback. With limited personnel, Nyima Tsiren took on the dual role of captain and coach, frequently directing players from the sidelines on positioning and defense. The match was intense, with both teams creating scoring opportunities. The crowd was electric, cheering enthusiastically as tensions rose, and the referee issued yellow cards to two players involved in a heated exchange.

After the first half, Nyima Tsiren gathered his team in a huddle, emphasizing the importance of hydration and reasserting their tactics: they needed to push for an equalizer in the second half.

Twenty-two-year-old Mima Tsiren, a defender from Karu Township by the Yarlung Tsangpo River, reminisced about playing with his brother in barley fields as a child. He admires Spanish star Sergio Ramos for his decisiveness on the field and kindness off of it.

As the second half unfolded, both teams exchanged attacks, but no goals materialized for the first twenty minutes. Then, during a scramble for possession, Nim County seized the opportunity for a rapid counterattack. Player Pema Ketzhu unleashed a powerful shot, equalizing the score at 1-1.

Twenty-four-year-old forward Pema Ketzhu had taken special leave from his job in Namlung County to represent his hometown in this match. Despite their longer-established camaraderie in the Jiri Street team, which had a history of playing together, they soon regained their lead just five minutes after the equalizer, ensuring the score held until the final whistle.

“Things can change in an instant, which is the beauty of competitive football,” Pema Ketzhu remarked to a reporter after the match. With the need to regroup for the third-place playoff the following afternoon, they planned to rest and prepare for the next challenge.