MBSA thrash Farwest in opener

Butwal, March 23

Madan Bhandari Sports Academy won the inaugural match of the third Madan Bhandari International Gold Cup Football Tournament here at Ramnagar today.

The hosts thrashed Farwest Sports Club 5-1 to make it to the quarter-finals. Prakash Budhathoki scored a brace, while foreign recruit Agua, Bishwo Adhikari and Dipesh Ale netted one each for the winners. Pranay Anjan scored the consolation goal for Farwest. MBSA will now play against Tribhuvan Army Club, who had a first round bye.

Budhathoki opened the scoring in the 19th minute before Anjan levelled the scored in the injury time of the first half. Budhathoki restored the lead in the 64th minute before Agua extended the lead seven minutes later.

Adhikari made it 4-1 in the 78th minute and Ale completed the rout one minute from time. Budhathoki was named the man of the match and he received Rs 10,000.

Earlier, President Bidhya Devi Bhandari inaugurated the tournament. Chief Minister of State No 5 Shankar Pokhrel, Youth and Sports Minister Jagat Bahadur Sunar, National Sports Council Member Secretary Keshab Kumar Bista, Youth and Sports Secretary Mahesh Prasad Dahal and Madan Bhandari Sports Academy President Binod Shrestha were also present on the occasion.

A total of 10 teams are taking part in the tournament organised by Madan Bhandari Sports Academy in memory of UML leader Madan Bhandari. Top two teams will earn Rs 1.5 million and Rs 750,000 respectively, while the two losing semi-finalists and the best player of the tournament will get Rs 50,000 each. Likewise, four best individuals — goalkeeper, defender, midfielder and coach — will be rewarded with Rs 20,000 each. On Saturday, Jhapa-XI will play against Nepal APF Club.