Pokhara, January 22

Local boy Anil Gurung scored two and set as many for Sujal Shrestha as defending champions Laxmi Hyundai Manang Marshyangdi Club thrashed Dharan Football Club 4-1 and advanced to the semi-finals of the 15th Aaha-Rara Gold Cup here at the Pokhara Stadium today.

Skipper Gurung and Shrestha scored braces for MMC, while Deepak Rai netted the consolation goal for Dharan. Shrestha opened the scoring for MMC in the 33rd minute through a header following a cross from skipper Gurung, who himself doubled the tally in the 41st minute on a Afeez Olawale pass.

Gurung headed home his second goal of the match following Rohit Chand’s cross in the 60th minute to make it 3-0 in the 60th minute. And three minutes later Shrestha found the back of the nets utilising a pass from Gurung. Rai cut the deficit for Dharan in the 73rd minute but it was took late for them to return in the match. MMC’s Shrestha was named the man-of-the-match and received Rs 3,000 sponsored by Sahara Hong Kong, sister wing of Sahara Club of Pokhara.

MMC coach Chhiring Lopsang Gurung said his side won the match comfortably as the team netted two goals in the first half. “We could play the match with ease after scoring two goals in the first half,” he said. Asked about the upcoming matches, Gurung termed Tribhuvan Army Club as a strong side and that he was yet to see the match of Bangladeshi team. Dharan coach Subash KC said his team had injury concerns. “Some of our players were injured and we also conceded two early goals which took the match away from our reach,” KC added.

On Monday, TAC, who had a first round bye, will meet Rumpum Jhapa-XI in the third quarter-final match.