Hetauda, July 10:

Raj Kumar Ghising scored three goals in 16 minutes as Samsung Jawalakhel Youth Club (JYC) defeated Sahara Club of Pokhara 3-0 in the first-round match at the Martyrs Memorial National Football Tournament here today.

After a goalless first half, Ghising broke the deadlock in the 62nd minute. Ghising then doubled the tally in the 73rd minute before completing his hat-trick five minutes later.

Ghising, who joined the Lalitpur-based club from Carlsberg Manang Marsyangdi Club (MMC) this season, made the breakthrough capitalising on a pass from rookie Gaurav Thapa just outside the penalty box. The same combination of Thapa and Ghising resulted into the second goal, while Ghising added his third following a pass from Dipen Shrestha in the 78th minute.

Ghising, who was the member of the 10th South Asian Games’ bronze medal winning team, was later named the man of the match.

Sahara Club failed to cash in on a chance in the 20th minute, while JYC goalkeeper Sangeet Rajak — who was also in the 10th SA Games squad and also joined JYC this season from MMC — made a couple of stunning saves.

On Wednesday, Armed Police Force (APF) Team will take on Rupandehi, who defeated Makawanpur in the inaugural match on Monday.