Kathmandu, March 18:

All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) awarded five personalities with a G-5 motorcycle and a cash prize of Rs 100,000 each after the charity match between Nepali national squad and African United Club here at Dasharath Stadium today.

The award was announced to recognise those persons working selflessly for the development of football. Home Minister Kamal Thapa gave away the awards to Dilip Rai, president of Sunsari Football Association, former national players and coaches Ashok KC and Raju Shakya, Rakesh Shrestha of MPC and former FIFA referee Sri Ram Ranjitkar.

Yamaha India Limited, in association with ANFA, had also awarded five best individuals in the ‘A’ Division League Football this year with a G-5 motorcycle each. Last year, too, six best persons in the League were presented with Yamaha Libero each. However, those honoured today were different. Every other individual had one way or the other devoted their lives in football.

Former footballer, Dilip Rai is a well-known name in the eastern region of the country for his organising and administrative skills. Ashok KC spent three decades in football before turning to coaching. He said, “Our hard works have finally been recognised.”

Raju Shakya started his career in 1989 playing in the SAF Games and retired in 1993 after SAF Football Championship. Currently he is working as a coach. “We really felt honoured today,” said Shakya.

Ranjitkar said that such award was unthinkable at his times. Both Shakya and Ranjitkar led the national team in different times. Ranjit was FIFA referee from 1993 to 2002.

Meanwhile, the national team and the African United played a 1-1 draw in the charity match. Surendra Tamang put Nepali side ahead in the 22nd minute with a superb 25-yard strike leaving goalkeeper Uche Onyegbule stranded. African United levelled the scores in the 41st through Nurudeen Olawale Salau’s header off a perfect free kick from Obagbemiro Junior.

Nepali team missed as many as four scoring chances. Pradip Maharjan shot straight to goalie in a solitary encounter in the 11th minute. Ramesh Budhathoki and Jumanu Rai were denied by goalkeeper Onyegbule in the 39th and 82nd minute before selfish play by Jumanu ruined a real opportunity in the 83rd minute. The MPC striker shot a weak shot instead of feeding to unmarked Basanta Thapa.