Morang enter semi-finals

Jhapa, September 22

Morang-XI advanced to the semi-finals of the first Dhudhe Gold Cup Football Tournament here at the Dhudhe grounds in Shivasatakshi Municipality today.

Morang defeated Tribhuvan Army Club 4-2 in penalty shoot-out after both the teams failed to score in the regulation period. Morang goalkeeper Suraj Adhikari was the hero of the match as he saved penalties from Deepak Gurung and Yoddha Shahi that also earned him the man-of-the-match award.

Only Kailash Basnet and Padam Tamang were able to convert their shots for TAC. Skipper Deepak Rai, Sunil Khadka, Mikchen Tamang and Bikram Limbu scored for Morang, who will now face Church Boys Club of Kathmandu on Sunday’s semi-final match.

TAC lacked the services of strikers Bharat Khawas and Nawayug Shrestha along with goalkeeper Bikesh Kuthu as the trio are in national team camp preparing for the AFC Asian Cup match against Tajikistan. TAC did create an opportunity in the seventh minute but Morang custodian Adhikari saved his attempt.

At the other end, TAC goalkeeper Maheshwor Shrestha punched out Deepak Rai’s powerful free kick in the 23rd minute while Deepak Rai ended up hitting the cross bar in the 36th minute.

On Saturday, Nepal APF Club of Kathmandu will take on Rupandehi-XI in the last league round match.