BIRATNAGAR, APRIL 14
Mani Lama scored the winning goal in the extra time as Nepal APF Club advanced to the final of the sixth Birat Gold Cup with a 3-2 win over hosts Biratnagar-XI here at the Martyrs Stadium on Wednesday.
Lama found the back of the nets in the 27th minute of the extra time to ensure the departmental side's victory after both the teams were deadlocked at 2-2 in regulation period. Sanish Shrestha and Ravi Thing scored one each for APF in the regulation period, while Steper Samir and Prakash Budhathoki replied for the home side.
Sanish Shrestha opened the scoring for APF in the 26th minute after he slotted home following a cross from Shyam Nepali.
Biratnagar's foreign recruit Stephen Samir levelled the scores for the home team in the 53rd minute. Ravi Thing restored APF's lead in the 67th minute and Shyam Nepal was the provider again, while Prakash Budhathoki scored the equaliser two minutes later.
Lama scored the match-winning goal three minutes before the end of the extra time when he slammed home from the edge of the penalty box. Lama was later named the man of the match and he earned Rs 10,000.
On Thursday, Aaha-Rara Gold Cup champions Sankata Club will take on Punjab Police Club in the second semi-final match.
A version of this article appears in the print on April 15, 2021, of The Himalayan Times.
