National team lock horns with AUC; ANFA honors coaches, referee and others

March 18, 2006
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The Nepal national team had to leave the ground with a 1-1 draw against African United Club (AUC) in the “Charity Match” organized by ANFA at Dasrath Stadium today.

The national team took a lead through Surendra Tamang, who fired home a long range shot in the 22nd minute with his solo effort. Tamang’s 18 yarded shot left goalie Uche Onyebule completely stranded diving full-length. Had Ramesh Budhathoki, Pradeep Maharjan not wasted two brilliant chances, the margin could have far better in the first half.

AUC then equalised in the 41st minute through Nurudeen Salau. Captian Obagbemiro Junior’s free kick was headed brilliantly by Salau to tie the score.

After the re-start, Nepal side held the possession but couldn’t extend the lead. Nurudeen again tested the capability of goalie Bikash Malla, but Malla denied him with an excellent punch out of the frame.

The match saw 22 players on the field except third choice goalie Surendra Lal Shrestha. ANFA listed 23 players today after sorting out five other players. Star Basanta even played 10 minutes where he created two brilliant goal scoring chances but Jumanu Rai squandered both.

In the meantime, chief guest Home Minister Kamal Thapa, who is also ex-president of ANFA, distributed 100,000 and G5 motorcycles each to earlier announced persons.

Coaches: Raju Kaji Shakya and Ashok KC
Referee: Shree Ram Ranjitkar
Current Player: Rakesh Shrestha
Long-serving person towards football: Dilip Rai (Sunsari FA President)

“I am very happy to be honored,” U-17 coach Raju Kaji Shakya said. “I am glad that ANFA praised our work.”

“I am speechless,” veteran coach Ashok KC delighted. “I am very thankful to ANFA.”

“It was a huge encouragement for me,” injured National defender Rakesh Shrestha said. “I will try to play to the best of my ability in the days to come.”

“Football is like god for me and I think god gave me ‘Prasad’.” veteran Dilip Rai said. “I spent my early days with football. Football is my passion, life and everything.”