Pokhara, January 29

Nepal APF Club defeated Himalayan Sherpa Club 2-1 in the opening match of the Manakamana Cable Car Pokhara Cup Football Tournament here today.

Ashish Lama and skipper Sudip Shikhrakar scored one goal each for APF, while Amar Dangol netted for Himalayan Sherpa. APF opened the scoring in the 26th minute when Himalayan Sherpa goalkeeper KishorGiri failed to judge Lama’s shot from the edge of the penalty box. Lama was lated named the man of the match.

Himalayan Sherpa levelled the scores in the 54th minute. Dangol find the back of the nets from close range following a cross from Ravi Thapa. APF restored the lead in the 78th minute when Shikhrakar converted the spot kick. APF earned the penalty after Himalayan Sherpa defender Ulrich Siwie handled the ball inside the d-box.

APF coach Rajendra Tamang was satisfied with his team’s performance. “It’s not easy to play in knockout tournament and the players put in their hard efforts in the match,” Tamang said. Himalayan Sherpa manager Bijendra Pudasaini rued the missed opportunities and also blamed the biased referring. “APF were awarded with the penalty while we were turned down in similar situations,” he added.

On Wednesday, Chyasal Youth Club will take on Dauphins Family Club of Cameroon.  A total of 12 teams — including one each from Japan and Cameroon — are taking part in the tournament organised by Kaski district FA.