Far-west overwhelm Punjab, enter semis

Dhangadhi, January 8

Far-west-XI advanced to the semi-finals of the first International Invitational Far-west Khaptad Gold Cup Football Tournament at the Dhangadhi Stadium today.

The hosts defeated Punjab-XI of India 5-0 riding on a hat-trick of Mani Ram Chaudhary. Prayanya Anjaan and Sumit Dube netted one goal each for Far-west. Chaudhary was named the man-of-the-match and received Rs 5,000.

Chaudhary opened the scoring in the 14th minute of the match before Dube doubled the tally in the in the 38th minute. Chaudhary then scored his second goal of the match five minutes later as they went into the break with a comfortable 3-0 lead. Chaudhary completed his hat-trick in the 59th minute and Anjaan completed the rout with a goal in the second half injury time.

The hosts will take on Delhi United on Monday, while CMG Club Sankata play against Jagdamba Lumbini. A total of 12 teams, including two from India and one from Bhutan, are taking part in the tournament. The winners and runners will receive Rs 500,000 and Rs 251,000 respectively.