Himalayan News Service

Lalitpur, March 6:

Friends Club, New Road Team (NRT) and Manang Marsyangdi Club (MMC) entered the semi-finals of the Nepal Bank Junior (Under-14) League Football Tournament here today. On Sunday, Friends defeated NRT 1-0 and MMC blanked Sankata Club 3-0. Friends Club topped Group B with 12 points, ahead of already qualified Jawalakhel Youth Club (11). MMC finished first in Group A with 12 points, while NRT came second with nine points on better goal difference with Mahabir Club. At ANFA Complex, Puran Limbu put MMC ahead in the 13th minute when he fired the ball from the edge of the penalty area leaving Sankata goalkeeper Shrawan Chhetry stranded. Shiva Shrestha, who was later adjudged the man of the match, doubled the tally through a penalty kick in the first half injury time.

MMC earned the spot kick after Sujan Tamang of Sankata handled the ball inside the box. In the 63rd minute, Sujan Limbu completed the rout capitalising on Sankata Club custodian Chhetry’s error. Earlier, Nirajan Malla scored the only goal in the 28th minute to give Friends Club a 1-0 win over NRT. Santosh Lama of Friends Club was named the man of the match. The man of the match and goalscorers recieved Big Mimi and Zoom gift hampers sponsored by Chaudhary Group. On Monday, Mahendra Police Club will take on Kathmandu Club at the same venue.