Himalayan News Service

Biratnagar, January 6

Mahendra Police Club entered the semi-finals of the Mahendra Gold Cup Football Tournament defeating ANFA Academy 3-0 here today.

The ANFA Academy U-17 players played their quarter-final with experienced MPC players in a diehard situation.

Ananta Thapa scored two goals and star striker Hari Khadka netted one for the departmental team of Nepal Police.

In the 35th minute, Thapa scored in a header on a cross from Parbat Pandey. He followed the same suit after two minutes to double the tally. Hari Khadka found the net in the 44th minute.

Earlier, Khadka missed a penalty shot in the 22nd minute. MPC earned the spot kick after Santosh Gurung of ANFA Academy handled the ball at D-box.

The young ANFA Academy playres did well with their defence and mid-field. This even pressurised the MPC players. It was evident that the ANFA Academy lacked strikers.

The second quarter-final match of the tournament would be played on Wednesday between Jhapa-XI and Three Star Club.