Bimala treble steers Kaski to victory

DIWAKAR BHANDARI

SIMARA: Bimala Chaudhary scored a hat-trick as Kaski advanced to the pre-quarterfinals of the 14th National Ncell Women’s Football Championship defeating Sarlahi 4-2 here today.

Sushmita Gurung put Kaski ahead in the third minute utilising a defensive blunder from the Sarlahi. Bimala doubled Kaski’s tally six minutes later. Despite conceding two early goals, Sarlahi dominated the proceedings. Sarlahi, who also enjoyed the local support, cut the deficit in the 36th minute with skipper Manisha Chaudhary.

Sarlahi would have gone to break with a 2-2 stalemate had their forwards not squandered chances at regular intervals. Kaski defenders too played crucial role to preserve their lead in the first half. Sarlahi levelled five minutes after the resumption when Kaski players were yet to find their rhythm. Manisha made it 2-2 beating the advancing Kaksi goalkeeper Manisha Chaudhary.

Bimala restored the lead for Kaski netting her second in the 55th minute before Bimala sealed the match completing her hat-trick in the 64th minute. After making it 4-2, Kaski switched to defensive gears and preserved their lead to make it to the second round. They will take on debutant Tribhuvan Army Club on Saturday. Bara will take on Kanchanpur in Thursday’s first round of 16 match in Simara.

In Chandranigahapur, Dhanusha laboured to a 4-3 extra-time victory over Panchthar. The match was pushed to 20 minutes of extra time after both the teams failed to break a 3-3 stalemate. Pramila Sunuwar scored the decider in the 99th minute to steer Dhanusha in the last 16.

Jyoti Sawaden put Panchthar ahead in the 13th minute but Sabita Rai levelled the scores in the 45th minute. Sabita provided an early second half lead to Dhanusha netting her second goal two minutes after the interval. Pramila made it 3-1 in the 59th minute but Panchthar made a dramatic comeback to level the scores. Jyoti reduced the deficit in the 74th minute and Maya Ispo drew level to push the match into extra time.

Rautahat will play against Taplejung in Chandranigahapur on Thursday.