Dhangadhi, January 13

CMG Club Sankata edged past hosts Far-west 1-0 to advance to the final of the first Bhageshwor Group Far-west Khaptad Gold Cup Football Tournament at the Dhangadhi Stadium today.

Sankata will face ‘A’ Division outfit Laxmi Hyundai Manang Marshyangdi Club in the final on Saturday. MMC saw off Delhi United FC of India 3-1 on Thursday to enter the final.

In Friday’s second semi-final match, Amit Tamang scored the solitary goal of the match in the 16th minute against the Far-west team backed by more than 5,000 home supporters. Tamang converted a free-kick into the goal after Narendra Chaudhary of Far-west brought down a Sankata player outside the danger zone.

Far-west dominated the ball possession and created number of goal scoring chances but failed to find the back of the nets. Far-west skipper Gajendra Shahi, Sumit Dube and Maniram Chaudhary were denied by Sankata goalie Raju Nagarkoti, who was named the man-of-the-match and received Rs 5,000 along with a mobile set.

“We won the match after the players put in their efforts according to the team strategy,” said Sankata coach Salyan Khadgi after the match. Sankata skipper Rabi Silwal said his side was able utilise the only goal scoring opportunity created by the team. “The home team played well but they could not utilise the chances, while we were able to convert the opportunity,” said Silwal. Far-west skipper Gajendra Shahi lauded his players’ efforts. “We played a good game and also created a number of goal scoring chances. But we faltered at the final moment and that cost us the berth in final,” said Shahi.

The winners and runners-up will receive Rs 500,000 and Rs 251,000 respectively, while the best player of the tournament will get Yamaha motorcycle.