Jhapa, November 29

Laxmi Hyundai Manang Marshyangdi Club defeated Kakarvitta Football Training Centre in sudden death and advanced to the final of the Mechi Netralaya Kakarvitta Gold Cup Football Tournament here today.

The match went to penalty shootout after both the teams failed to score in the regulation period. The winners of the match were decided in sudden death as both teams scored four goals in penalty shootout.

MMC’s Bimal Gharti Magar, Biraj Maharjan, Bishal Rai and Ananta Tamang converted their shots in sudden death, while Kakarvitta’s Bhushan Limbu, Bikram Lama, Suraj BK scored but Florence hit the post.

Earlier in the spot-kick battle, Anil Gurung, Bimal Basnet, Kamal Shrestha, Heman Gurung netted for MMC, while Bikram Lama shot wide. Similarly, Kakarvitta’s Prakash Budhathoki, Nirajan Khadka, Saroj Dahal and Hemanta Thapa Magar found the back of the nets but Nishan Limbu was denied by MMC’s goalkeeper Dinesh Thapa.

In the regulation period, both the teams failed to break the deadlock. MMC should have taken the lead in the 12th minute but Sujal Shrestha hit wide after receiving a pass from Bimal Gharti Magar, while the latter missed a sitter from edge of the box in the 52nd minute.

MMC were reduced to 10 men in the 62nd minute after Sujal Shrestha was expelled after he collected second yellow card. Kakarvitta’s Prakash Budhathoki was denied by MMC goalie Thapa in one-on-one in the 20th minute and the striker shot wide seven minute later.

Kakarvitta were also reduced to 10 men in the 70th minute after Khamir Gilson Kandangwa got the marching orders for second bookable offense.

MMC’s Heman Gurung was named the man-of-the-match and he earned Rs 10,000. He also received Rs 3,000 for scoring first goal of the match. MMC will play against Tribhuvan Army Club in Friday’s final match.