Kathmandu, November 14

Friends Club advanced to the semi-finals of the first Chandragiri Gold Cup Football Tournament here at the Naikap grounds today.

In the opening match of the tournament, the ‘A’ division outfit defeated hosts Bright Youth Club 4-3. Dheeraj Shrestha scored a hat-trick, while Lawal added one more for Friends. Bright Youth skipper Samir Karki and Sahil Rana scored a goal each for the hosts, while they got one through an own goal from Friends Club.

Friends took the lead in the 17th minute through a goal from Shrestha and maintained the advantage in the first half. Bright Youth skipper Karki levelled the scores moments into the second half before Shrestha regained the lead with his second goal of the match. The scores were level again when Friends conceded an own goal while trying to clear the ball from the crowded d-box in the 62nd minute.

Shrestha completed his hat-trick in the 70th minute and put Friends ahead for the third time in the match before Rana scored the equaliser two minutes later. The hosts’ joy short lived as Lawal found the back of the nets in the 73rd minute. Shrestha won the man-of-the-match award and received Rs 3,000.

On Wednesday, Tribhuvan Army Club will take on Jawalakhel Youth Club. A total of seven ‘A’ division clubs and the team of organisers are taking part in the knock out tournament sponsored by Hero motorcycle.