Army beat Three Star in final

Bara, February 17

Tribhuvan Army Club won the title of the ninth Ruslan Simara Gold Cup here at the Simara Stadium today.

Dinesh Henjan and Nawayug Shrestha scored a goal each as the departmental side defeated Ruslan Three Star Club in the final to win their fifth title of the season. The TAC had won the sixth edition of the tournament three years ago.

After a goalless first half, Henjan opened the scoring in the 58th minute and Shrestha sealed the victory with the team’s second goal in the 74th minute. Chief of the Army Staff Gen Rajendra Chhetri was among the high ranking officials present to watch the final match. Santosh Tamang of TAC was named the man of the match and he got Rs 5,000.

Champions TAC earned Rs 551,000, while Three Star received Rs 250,000. TAC also dominated the individual awards. Henjan was named the best player of the tournament and he also received the highest scorer’s award with three goals in three matches. He earned Rs 15,000 along with Yamaha Saluto bike.

Henjan’s TAC teammates Bikesh Kuthu was named the best goalkeeper, Bimal Pandey was adjudged the best defender and George Prince Karki was declared the best forward. Three Star stand-in skipper Nirajan Khadka was named the best midfielder, while Nava Janajagriti Club ‘Blue’ won the Fair Play award. The best individuals got Rs 15,000 each.

A total of eight teams took part in the tournament organised by Nava Janajagriti Club under the sponsorship of Ruslan. All Nepal Football Association President Narendra Shrestha, Bara CDO Bijay Narayan Manandhar, President of Nava Janajagriti Club Kasim Miya Ansari, General Secretary of Nepal Sports Journalists Forum Prakash Timalsina among others handed over the prizes to the winners.