Himalayan News Service

Kathmandu, March 20:

Hari Khadka scored a hat-trick as Mahendra Police Club routed Youth Sports Club of Parsa 5-0 and entered the Group A semi-finals of the Khukuri Cup football tournament, which has been organised by ANFA under the sponsorship of Surya Nepal Pvt Ltd, here today.

MPC dominated the field throughout the match, but had to wait till the fifth minute of the second half to find the net against the Central Region qualifier.

Once again Hari Khadka became the saviour for MPC. Khadka, who scored a goal in MPC’s 2-1 win over Mahavir Club and netted the winner in 1-0 victory over tournament favourites Manang Marsyangdi Club, gave his team lead in the 49th minute.

Hari headed in the ball following a cross from Raju Pulami, who was included in the starting line up in place of injured Ramesh Budhathoki.

Narottam Gautam doubled the tally in the 54th minute dodging three defenders, while Ananta Thapa made it 3-0 in the 81st minute in a rebound. Fed by Hari inside the D-box, Parbat Pandey’s shot was rebounded to play and Ananta easily beat a defender and Parsa goalkeeper Sanju Shahi.

MPC scored the fourth goal just a minute later when Hari Khadka dodged two defenders inside the penalty box before firing into the net. The MPC striker completed his hat-trick through penalty. MPC earned the spot kick after Parsa defender handled the ball inside the D-Box.

Ananta Thapa and Parbat Pandey of MPC were cautioned with yellow cards. Earlier, Hari Khadka missed three opportunities, while Dev Narayan Chaudhary’s right footer in the 40th minute went inches wide of the post.

Parsa players created two opportunities in the match. In the 72nd minute, Sanah Ullah’s powerful shot from the D-line was punched out by MPC goalkeeper Mani Chamling, while in the 80th minute, Ullah failed to score in an one to one situation with Mani.

Tribhuvan Club will take on Sankata Club in a Group B quarter-final match on Sunday.