DHANGADHI: Ruslan Three Star Club marked its return to domestic football with a 3-1 win over Jhapa XI in the ongoing Second International Invitational Nepal Ice Farwest Khaptad Gold Cup Football Tournament on Monday.

Buddha Chemjong scored a brace and African recruit Ajayi Martins added another for Lalitpur-based outfit Three Star, which was out for 14 months from domestic football. Likewise, Karna Limbu replied for Jhapa in the pre-quarterfinal clash played at Dhangadhi Stadium. Victorious Three Star advanced to the quarterfinals of the tournament.

Martins put Three Star on the driving seat scoring an opener in the 34th minute while Chemjong doubled the tally five minutes later. Jhapa cut the deficit with Limbu netting match’s third goal in the 41st minute. But Three Star extended the lead by 3-1 with Chemjong finding his personal second goal in the 43rd minute. Both sides failed to add goals in the second half that saw Three Star clinching a comfortable victory.

Three Star had fielded its strong line-up including new signings Bimal Gharti Magar and Ananta Tamang. National team midfielder Bikram Lama had captained the side.