RCT enter semifinals beating Three Star

April 17, 2000
2 MIN READ
A
A+
A-

Kathmandu, April 17:Ranipokhari Corner Team (RCT)  thrashed Three Stars 3-1 in a come-from-behind victory in today’s first quarterfinal of the Late Pasang Lhamu Knockout Memorial Football Tournament.

The star studded RCT team, though looked jaded in the whole of the first half, made a great recovery to register a convincing thrashing of rivals from their immaculate performance and played a cohesive game in the second half.

The RCT team, however, suffered a jolt at the hands of the traditional archrivals after conceding the first goal in the penultimate minute of the first half. Three Stars midfielder Shyam Manandhar took advantage of the goal mouth melee when a ball supplied to him through an Anant Thapa free-kick slowly crossed the RCT goal net off his feet.

After being downed 0-1 in the first half, RCT forwards pressed hard to get an equaliser which they did in the 19th minute of the second half. RCT defender Narayan Manandhar, who collected a cross from Milan Shrestha, hit a scorching shot that turned in the nick of the time to befuddle rival keeper Manik Shakya.

After gaining an equaliser, the RCT looked swift in making more raids.  Forward Nirajan Rayamajhi dribbled past two rival defenders inside penalty area and passed the ball to captain Bal Gopal Maharjan who did not fail to make it home with his softly tapped shot to give his team 2-1 lead.

Just two minute after the second gaol, Ramesh Gyawali hit a powerful shot just outside the ‘D’ area which rebounded off horizontal bar but the lack of understanding between Three Star custodian and defenders inside the penalty area provided a golden chance to Amrit Bajracharya to head the ball home to add third goal for his team.