Pokhara, April 14

Dharan Football Club ousted hosts Pokhara-XI from the first-round match of the fifth Manakamana Cable Car Pokhara Cup here today.

Tirtha Basnet scored the solitary goals as Dharan edged past Pokhara 1-0 to make it to the quarter-finals. Dharan will face India’s Delhi FC on Tuesday for a place in last four. After a goalless first half, Basnet found the nets in the 73rd minute following a pass from Hemant Thapa. Binay Shrestha of Dharan FC was named the man-of-the-match.

The hosts created ample opportunities but they were not able to find the back of the nets. Sunil BK came close to scoring in the 41st minute but his header was off target following a pass from Rakesh Gurung, while the latter ended up with a wide shot two minutes into the second half.

Dharan FC coach Subash KC said they were able to beat the hosts in the competitive match. “The winds also played its part in making the players difficult in performing to their marks but we could score against the team who had a huge support from the crowd,” said KC. “We will have to raise our standard in the next match.” Pokhara-XI coach Ishwor Gurung rued the missed opportunities. “The players could not play to their potential due to lack of proper training. Still we created opportunities but again the players failed to convert them,” said Gurung.

On Friday, Tribhuvan Army Club will play against Saraswoti Club.

A total of 12 teams are taking part in the tournament organised by Kaski District FA under the sponsorship of Manakamana Darshan Pvt Ltd. Top two teams will earn Rs 555,555 and Rs 255,555 respectively. The player of the tournament will receive a motorcycle, while the best striker, forward, defender, goalkeeper and coach will get Rs 15,000 each.