Sarlahi, February 8
Jawalakhel Youth Club advanced to the quarter-finals of the seventh Rajarshi Janak Cup Football Tournament here at the Santosh Shrestha Memorial grounds today.
Substitute Binod KC netted the solitary goal as JYC defeated fellow A division outfit APF Football Club 1-0 in the inaugural match of the tournament. KC found the back of the nets following a cross from Hishub Thapaliya. JYC will now face defending champions Piple Youth Club of Makawanpur.
KC, who replaced Bipin Kandel in the 63rd minute, headed home a low cross from Thapaliya only 15 seconds after entering the pitch.
APF paid the price for missing easy opportunities, including the one from Hari Karki, who muffed up an open chance in the first half. The departmental side took control of the match in the first half butthey failed to find the back of the nets. JYC coach Sunil Shrestha lauded the efforts of his youth team.
"We came here with a new team and I am satisfied with the performance of the youthful team," said Shrestha. "The opponents put us under pressure in the first half but we were able to thwart their attack,"he added.
APF coach Ratna Kaji Shrestha lamented the forwards for failing to convert the opportunities. "As usual, we faltered when it mattered the most. We created so many chances but the poor finishing let the team down," Maharjan added.
On Thursday, United Kurseung FC will take on Farwest-XI FC. A total of 12 teams, including six top flight clubs, are taking part in the tournament organised jointly by Bagmati Municipality Sports Committee and Bagmati Youth Club.
The winners of the tournament will receive one million rupees. Earlier, deputy Prime Minister Narayan Kaji Shrestha inaugurated the tournament.
A version of this article appears in the print on February 9, 2023, of The Himalayan Times.
