Kathmandu, September 26

Chaur Futsal of Bansbari defeated Dhuku Futsal Hub of Maharajgunj 3-2 in the first match of the Red Bull Futsal League here today.

Chaur took the lead in the match through Ranjit Shrestha before Sabin KC of Dhuku levelled the scores in the first half. Dhuku went ahead in the second half through Suraj Raut’s goal, while Ramesh Gurung scored the equaliser and Shrestha scored his second and team’s third goal lead Chaur to victory. Shrestha was named the man-of-the-match and received gift hamper.

Earlier, Nepal Sports Journalist Forum hammered the organisers of the League ANA Events 11-3 in a friendly match played to mark the opening of the tournament. Basu Awal scored four goals alone, while Prajeet Shakya and Ayush Khadka netted hat-tricks and Nishan Rai struck one for the NSJF.

Former national team skippers Upendra Man Singh, Bal Gopal Maharjan and Rakesh Shrestha inaugurated the tournament. A total of 16 teams are taking part in the biggest futsal tournament that offers a cash prize of one million rupees to the champions. The runners-up will bag Rs 500,000, while the best player and goalkeeper will receive Rs 50,000 each.

The participating teams are divided into two groups and they will compete in home and away basis within their pools. Chaur and Dhuku are in Group A along with Rajani Futsal, Emperial Futsal, White Horse, Baneshwor Recreation, Adarsha Futsal and Kickoff Futsal. Likewise, Harisiddhi, Samakhusi, Kumari, Highway, Kirtipur, Shankhamul, Tahachal and Busy Futsal are in Group B.