Himalayan News Service

Dharan, February 23:

Raj Kumar Ghising scored the winner as Jawalakhel Youth Club (JYC) edged out Jorthan Sporting Club of India 1-0 to enter the semi-finals of the seventh Budha Subba Tuborg Gold Cup Football Tournament, which has been organised by Dharan Football Club, today. JYC now will face three-time champions Mahendra Police Club on Friday.

At Dharan Stadium, Ghising found the net in the 69th minute following Jibesh Pandey’s cross.

As per the schedule, JYC were supposed to take on SMC Sporting Club of Bangladesh. But the club pulled out at the last moment and the organisers invited Jorthan Sporting Club of India.

According to Kishor Subba, president of Dharan Football Association and vice president of ANFA, the Bangladeshi team withdrew because of the ongoing strike in their country. Out of the 12 Jorthan Club, nine were Nepali players, mostly from Jhapa.

“The result was satisfactory as we came here without preparation,” said Jorthan coach Ek Raj Pokharel. JYC coach Kishor KC was happy with his players performance, but conceded that they now had a tough road ahead.

Himmat Pandey of Jorthan was the only player to be booked during the match. Babu Ram Hasta of Jorthan Sporting Club was adjudged man of the match.

On Thursday, defending champions Manang Marsyangdi Club will take on national league champions Three Star Club in the first semi-final at the same venue.