Rupandehi oust Druk Star

Dhangadhi, January 9

Agni Rupandehi defeated Druk Star FC of Bhutan 3-2 and advanced to the quarter-finals of the second International Invitational Nepal Ice Farwest Khaptad Gold Cup Football Tournament here at the Dhangadhi Stadium today.

Amar Dangol scored a brace and Manish Thapa added one for Rupandehi, while Kuenga Rabgay and Yeshi Dorji scored a goal each for Druk Star.

Dangol opened the scoring in the 22nd minute and doubled the tally in the 38th minute. Kuenga Rabgay cut the deficit for Druk Star in the 58th minute before Thapa restored the lead for Rupandehi in the 69th minute. Druk Star’s Dorji netted a goal in the injury time but it was too late for them to return to the game.

Earlier, Druk Star wasted a scoring opportunity when Kejang Wangi’s shot from the spot was denied by Rupandehi’s goalkeeper Sujit Gurung. The Bhutanese team earned the penalty after Rupandehi’s Gautam Shrestha committed a foul inside the box. Rupandehi striker Dangol was adjudged the man of the match and he earned Rs 10,000. Rupandehi will now face Laxmi Hyundai Manang Marshyangdi Club for a place in the semis on Friday.

“We had one of the best squads, including national players, in the team but our boys failed to play up to their potential,” said Druk Star coach Kota Nambhe. “We missed the penalty as the team was playing under excessive pressure and that incident added woes to the team,” added Nambhe.

Rupandehi coach Dayaram Sapkota said his side was also not up to the mark. “We conceded the goals due to our goalkeeper’s mistakes and we will try to put in an improved performance in our next match,” he said.

On Wednesday, CMG Club Sankata will face Nepal APF Club in the quarter-final match.