NPC stun league champions MMC

NPC’s Nir Kumar Rai (left) and MMC’s Mohammad Asif jump for a header during their quarter-final match of the third Nepal Ice Farwest Khaptad Gold Cup at the Dhangadhi Stadium on Sunday. Photo: THT

Dhangadhi, January 13

Nepal Police Club stunned Signature Manang Marshyangdi Club 1-0 in the quarter-final match of the third Nepal Ice International Farwest Khaptad Gold Cup here at the Dhangadhi Stadium today.

Nir Kumar Rai scored the solitary goal of the match in the second half. Rai found the back of the nets in rebound following a corner from Tej Tamang in the 68th minute, which also earned him the man-of-the-match award along with Rs 10,000. NPC will now face the winners of the last quarter-final match between CMG Sankata Club and Cameroon’s Dauphins FC for a place in the final.

The Pulsar Martyrs Memorial A Division League champions MMC came close to opening the scoring in 11th minute but NPC goalkeeper Shatrughan Chaudhary collected Heman Gurung’s 25-yard strike in second attempt after spilling the ball. NPC were unlucky in 29th minute after Tirtha Rana struck against cross bar, while Nir Kumar Rai ended up with a wayward shot from penalty box a minute later.

Ravi Paswan rescued his team with a timely tackle against MMC striker Olawale Afeez, who was marching towards goal after receiving a pass from Heman Gurung. MMC did earn a free kick but Kamal Shrestha wasted the chance. Nir Kumar Rai muffed up a chance moments after the break, while NPC custodian Chaudhary saved Mohammad Asif’s header on a pass from Heman Gurung in the 62nd minute. Two minutes later, MMC glovesman Bishal Shrestha denied Tirtha Rana. NPC came close to doubling the tally in the 80th minute but Abdul Karmi’s header sailed inches above the bar.

On Monday, Valley Chyasal Youth Club will play against Ruslan Three Star Club in the third quarter-final match.

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