10-man Manang Marsyangdi edge APF in thriller to enter into last four

HETAUNDA: The Laxmi Hyundai Manang Marsyangdi Club defeated the APF Club 3-2 and entered into the last four of the 2nd Tuborg International Hetaunda Invitational Gold Cup Football Tournament played at the Forestry Ground in Hetaunda-10 on Sunday.

Manang took an early lead in the 32nd minute after Captain Sujal Shrestha floated a free-kick into the APF D-box area where unmarked Cissako nudged home to give Manang a deserving lead. 

Manang's foreign player Afil Owale scored a brace in the 66th and the 84th minutes. 

Shrestha, meanwhile, was sent off in the 55th minute after two bookable offences and the Manang were reduced to 10 men to defend their early lead. 

However, they constantly barged into the APF territory and secured the three-goal parity. 

The APF are the champions of men's football tournament of the recently concluded 7th National Games held in eastern Nepal.

Later, APF's Anjan Bista scored two quick goals in the 88th and the 93rd minutes. 

Meanwhile, Manang's Dona Thapa was adjudged the Man of the Match. 

Ten teams including two foreign ones are taking part in the tournament.

The winners and runners-up will draw the purses of Rs 500,000 and Rs 300,000 cash prizes respectively.