Kathmandu, September 14 :

Tribhuvan Army Club (TAC) came from behind to beat Friends’ Club 2-1 in the Subarna Shumsher Memorial Knockout Football Tournament at Dasharath Stadium today.

Man of the match Nilendra Dewan of Friends’ Club shocked the TAC scoring a spectacular goal in the 34th minute. Dewan exhibited a wonderful control over the ball as he beat two defenders before firing home.

TAC then upped their offence but were unlucky on several occasions. Friends goalie Ujjwal Manandhar denied Bikarna Shrestha in the 57th minute and made yet another save three minutes later when he punched out Mahendra Khawas’ attempt. The pressure put by TAC finally paid off in the 68th minute as Ram Kumar Biswas headed home the equaliser on Bishwo Bairag Samal’s cross. TAC had a scary moments twice in the 72nd and 82nd minute.

First, TAC goalkeeper Ganga Ram Deuja made a brilliant work on Dewan’s free kick while Chandra Tamang of Friends wasted a golden opportunity from six yards. In the counter-attack after Tamang wasted the chance, Santosh Nepali of TAC hit the woodwork. But it was Khawas who rescued the Armymen four minutes from time. Khawas’ powerful shot deflected off Ramesh Byanjankar into the nets. TAC will take on Saraswoti Youth Club, who had a first round bye, in the next round.

TAC manager Lt Col Binod Singh Bista said that he was happy with the result though the team was not up to the mark. “We are playing the competitive match after a long time, so there is nothing to blame for players,” Bista added. He also indicated that goalkeeper Bikash Malla had a little chance to appear before the National League.

RCT will take on Sankata Club on Friday.