Pokhara, January 28

Laxmi Hyundai Manang Marshyangdi Club (MMC) advanced to the final of the 14th Aaha-Rara Gold Cup Football Tournament with a 4-0 thrashing victory over Jhapa-XI here at the Pokhara Stadium today.

Afeez Olawale scored a hat-trick, while Sujal Shrestha added one for MMC, who will face Tribhuvan Army Club in the final match on Saturday.

MMC, who were without their key players, opened the scoring in the 16th minute when Olawale headed home following a cross from Subash Gurung.

Olawale then doubled the tally with his second goal of the match in the 71st minute utilising a pass from skipper Anil Gurung.

The Nigerian completed his hat-trick in the sixth minute of the injury time after Shrestha had made it 3-0 in the 75th minute following a pass from skipper Gurung.

MMC coach Tshring Lopsang praised the performance of his boys. “They gave everything in the match. We had a problem in the beginning but the boys settled down and put up a good show,” said Lopsang. “I hope the boys will continue this momentum in the final against Army,” he added.

Jhapa coach Bhagirath Ale ‘Mama’ was not happy with his team’s performance. “The boys could not play as expected.

The players betrayed their club as they did not follow my instructions and conceded goals at regular intervals,” Ale said.