Chandra‚ Niru run riot over hapless Dhankuta

DIWAKAR BHANDARI

SIMARA: Chandra Bhandari scored six second half goals and Niru Thapa struck another five as departmental side Nepal Police Club (NPC) demolished Dhankuta 14-0 to advance to the quarter-finals of the 14th National Ncell Women’s Football Championship here today.

NPC, the losing finalists of the previous edition, scored three goals in the first half and poured in another 11 more after interval to record an emphatic victory. Niru put the departmental side ahead in the 20th minute and doubled the tally three minutes later.

Chandra joined NPC goal feast in the second half after Rupa Magar had made it 3-0 in the 35th minute. Chandra struck in the 49th, 53rd and in the 55th minute to complete a quick hat-trick. The forward also found the back of the nets in the 62nd, 74th and 82nd minute to add further misery to Dhankuta.

Niru, who had scored two early goals for NPC, completed her own hat-trick in the 60th minute and further goals in the 71st and 75th minute. Apart from Chandra and Niru, Sapana Limbu (59) and Menuka Giri (88) added one each goal for NPC. The departmental outfit, who had made it to the last 16 with a first round bye, will now play against co-hosts Bara in Monday’s quarter-final match. Kaski will take on debutant Tribhuvan Army Club in Simara on Saturday.

In Chandranigahapur, Nira Sunuwar scored all three goals as Kailali defeated Morang 3-1. Nira put Kailali ahead in the 40th minute before Indira Rai levelled the scores for Morang in the 54th minute. Nira then struck twice within eight minutes to seal the match.

Nira restored Kailali's lead in the 66th minute and completed her treble in the 74th minute. Kailali had started the campaign with a 16-0 rout of Saptari in their first match on Monday.

Jhapa will meet Dolakha, while three-time defending champions Nepal Armed Police Force (APF) Club will play against Dhanusha in Chandranigahapur on Saturday.