Armymen advance to final

Pokhara, January 27

Tribhuvan Army Club (TAC) advanced to the final of the 14th Aaha-Rara Gold Cup Football Tournament with a 2-0 victory over hosts Sahara Club here at the Pokhara Stadium today.

Santosh Tamang and Deep Lama scored in the extra time of the match as the Armymen booked their place in the final. This will be TAC’s third final in the history of the tournament and they are yet to win the trophy.

The match was extended to extra time after both the teams failed to score in the regular time.

After the goalless regulation period, Tamang opened the scoring for TAC in the 102nd minute through a long-range shot from 30 yards. Lama put the issue beyond doubt when he doubled the tally for the Armymen five minutes later.

TAC dominated the match but failed to convert the chances that came their way, while the hosts were denied the goal by the cross bar when Uttam Gurung’s free kick in the 45th minute struck against the woodwork.

TAC coach Meghraj KC was happy with the win. “Our players could not break the defense line of Sahara in the regulation period,” he said. “We had to wait until the extra time to score and once we got into the scoresheet we were able to net another which ensured our victory,” added KC.

Sahara coach Kiran Shrestha said the injury to left-back Buddha Lama was the turning point of the match. “The team lost momentum after we were forced to substitute Lama and the players could not perform as expected,” he said.

On Thursday, Jhapa-XI will take on Laxmi Hyundai Manang Marshyangdi Club in the second semi-final match.