Kuching, May 13:

Manang Marsyangdi Club (MMC) kept its hope of advancing to the semi-finals beating FC Vashkh of Tajikistan 3-1 in the AFC President’s Cup football tournament here today.

Nepali national league champions put up a valiant effort defeating one of the championship favourites FC Vashkh. MMC rendered Vashkh totally helpless with Anil Gurung, Basanta Gauchan and substitute Khum Gurung scoring a goal each.

Anil Gurung put his side ahead in the 20th minute scoring on a rebound after Vashkh goalkeeper punched back Nirajan Khadka’s shot.

MMC defenders Sagar Thapa, Umesh Upretti and Sandip Rai were rock solid as they foiled about half a dozen moves of Vashkh. MMC goalie Sangeet Rajak also made few brilliant saves on the course.

Vashkh switched into the long passes and counter attack after the break but Gauchan doubled MMC’s tally in the 59th minute. Gauchan guided the ball behind the bars following Nabin Neupane’s header.

In the 80th minute, Nazir Sorozomov headed home on Akmal Saborov’s cross but substitute Khum Gurung ensured MMC’s win scoring a spectacular goal in the dying moments. Khum beat two defenders before scoring the goal. The result put Group ‘B’ in an interesting situation with all the four teams earning three points each from two matches.

MMC coach Chhiring Lobsang Gurung praised his players for the brilliant display. “We can defeat Dordoi Dynamo if we succeed in utilising chances as we did today,” Gurung said.