Three Star set final rematch with NPC

Sunsari, February 8

Substitute Bishnu Gurung scored the solitary goal in the injury time as Ruslan Three Star Club defeated Durgapur Steel FC of Kolkata 1-0 in the semi-final of the 20th Budha Subba Gold Cup here at the Dharan Stadium today.

Gurung, who replaced Ananta Tamang in the 81st minute, scored the winning goal moments before the whistle in second attempt after his initial shot, following a pass from Buddha Chemjong, was blocked by Durgapur goalkeeper Bish Khoti. Three Star will now face Nepal Police Club in a rematch of Aaha Rara Gold Cup final which the departmental side won 1-0 in extra time last Saturday.

Three Star dominated the match from the beginning but failed to convert the chances that came their way, wasting more than a dozen opportunities. Sunil Bal came close to scoring in the seventh minute but Durgapur goalkeeper Khoti saved his shot, while Kolkata-based team’s custodian denied Ranjit Dhimal seven minutes later. Ananta Tamang’s headed wide following a pass from Buddha Chemjong in the 20th minute.

Likewise, RanjitDhimal wasted a free kick in the 42nd minute and Ajayi Martins was unlucky in 47th minute when Durgapur defender Emanuel cleared the ball from goal line. Martins failed to control Nirajan Khadka’s sublime pass in the 54th minute, while BishwoShrestha struck against the bar in the 72nd minute before he found the back of the nets but only to be ruled offside moments later.

At the other end, Durgapur also created a couple of scoring chances. Segun ended up with a wide shot following a pass from Bibek Singh in 24th minute, while Three Star skipper Bikram Lama denied Manish Thapa minutes before first-half whistle. Also, Three Star goalie Alen Neupane saved Bishwo Jeet’s attempt in 71st minute. Neupane was named the man of the match and he received Rs 10,000.