MMC enter Pokhara Cup final

Pokhara, April 20

Laxmi Hyundai Manang Marshyangdi Club advanced to the final of the fifth Manakamana Cable Car Pokhara Cup Football Tournament here on Wednesday.

MMC thrashed Nepal APF Club 5-0 riding on a hat-trick from Olawale Afeez and a goal each from skipper Anil Gurung and Ravi Paswan. MMC will take on the winners of the match between Tribhuvan Army Club and Dharan Football Club.

Skipper Gurung opened the scoring for MMC in the 32nd minute at his home ground, while Afeez netted in the 40th minute to double the lead. MMC added three more goals in the latter half. Man-of-the-match Afeez scored in the first minute of the second half to extend the lead before completing his hat-trick in the 50th minute. Paswan scored team’s fifth and his first goal in the 76th minute.

MMC coach Chhiring Lospsang said the win came as the boys put up an improved show than previous matches. “We put pressure on the opponents throughout the match and that gave us a huge win,” he added. APF coach Janak Singh said the boys could not play well despite having a good team. “We were poor in defense and mid-field,” he said.