Pramod Pokhrel/Rabi Dhami

Mahendranagar, April 6:

Rajan Rayamajhi scored the only goal as Kathmandu Metropolis beat last year’s runners-up Madhyapur Thimi Municipality 1-0 to enter the final of the central-level Birendra Memorial Inter-municipality Football Tournament today.

Rajan netted the winner in the 24th minute when he fired a 25-yard shot following Ramesh Budhathoki’s pass, leaving Madhyapur goalkeeper Upendra Man Singh stranded. Upendra is also the national team goalkeeper and skipper. The goal earned Rayamajhi the man of the match award.

The goal was a relief for injury-plagued Kathmandu, who were without suspended skipper Kumar Thapa and inspirational defender Anil Adhikari (injured). In the seventh minute, Kathmandu’s second-choice goalkeeper Binod Dangol replaced striker Jibesh Pandey, who was forced to leave the field after pulling a hamstring.

Apart from the goal, both the teams failed to threaten their opponents post. Kathmandu had a chance to double the tally in the 26th minute, but Ramesh Budhathoki’s header, which beat Madhyapur goalkeeper Upendra Man Singh, was cleared by Bal Gopal Shahukhala from goalline. Kathmandu changed their strategy in the second half and played defensively. Ramesh Budhathoki and Nabin Neupane failed to utilise the opportunities.

Budhathoki’s long-range attempt in the 48th minute went above the cross bar, while Nabin Neupane ended up with a skier in the 78th minute. In the 88th minute, Nabin Neupane’s powerful 35-yarder was punched out by Madhyapur custodian Upendra Man Singh. Ramesh Sinkeman forced Kathmandu goalkeeper Bikash Malla to make a diving save in the 83rd minute.