The new League Champions Manang Marshyangdi Club (MMC) barely survived Armed Police Force (APF) scare as Cheering’s boys defeated the latter 2-1, to enter the semifinal of 4th Aaha Gold Cup Football Tournament here in Pokhara on Sunday.
The champions, who were bereft of several first eleven players due to close camp set by ANFA for the preparation of AFC Challenge Cup, performed sluggishly in the first quarter, but started to get momentum with Nigerian import Nurudeen’s attack.
MMC’s Uttam Gurung got a chance to score in the 30th minute but APF lanky goalie Samit Raj Bhandari stopped him brilliantly. Finally, Ritesh Thapa, former NRT player, broke the deadlock in the 35th minute capitalizing the cross off stand-in skipper Basanta Gauchan. Thapa collected the high elevated cross from the right flank and managed to flick the ball straight into net. MMC took lemon tea up 1-0.
After the lemon break, APF boys were back on track and were also awarded in the 59th minute through Ganesh Lawati. Lawati flicked the ball utilizing the cross off Ajaya Silwal’s cross. Nurudeen Olawale, who score the lone goal to beat Nabil Three Star Club in the recently held “A” Division League, struck the match winning goal in the 88th minute to save Manang’s prestige.
Olawale didn’t miss the target after Ritesh Khadka set up him a superb chest-pass off Basanta Gauchan’s cross. Olawale was upbeat to show his somersault after scoring the decisive goal.
“I am happy with my boys’ performances as we are missing several players in the squad,” MMC Coach Cheering Lopsang told Nepalnews. Lopsang’s counterpart Noble Rana looked distressed with the results. He said, “We could have beaten them easily but boys showed a sluggish game throughout the match”.
On Monday, Indian invitee Eastern Railway will vie against Knight Chess Club, who had defeated Tribhuvan Army Club in the quarterfinals.