Dhangadhi, January 17

Nepal Police Club defeated CMG Club Sankata 5-4 on penalties to enter the final of the third Nepal Ice International Farwest Khaptad Gold Cup here at the Dhangadhi Stadium today.

The match was decided in tie-breaker after both the teams failed to score in regulation period. NPC will now play against Ruslan Three Star Club in Saturday’s final.

Abhishek Rijal, Ajit Bhandari, Hari Kathayat, Tirtha Rana and Bikram Dhimal converted their kicks from spot for NPC, while Amit Tamang, Laxman Ruchal, Ellon Maxwell and Saroj Dahal scored for Sankata. NPC substitute goalkeeper Roshan Khadka blocked Subash Gurung’s attempt — the fifth shot for Sankata — to seal his team’s victory.

Earlier, NPC’s Tirtha Rana headed wide on a cross from Abhishek Rijal in the 13th minute, while Ellon Maxwell wasted a chance to put Sankata ahead in the 27th minute when he failed to score in one-on-one with NPC goalkeeper Shatrughan Chaudhary. Rijal then saw his strike saved by Sankata goalkeeper Raja Babu Thapa in the 42nd minute.

The second half was dull compared to first period with both the teams creating one each notable move. Subash Gurung failed to guide the ball towards goal in rebound after NPC custodian Shatrughan Chaudhary punched back initial shot in the 80th minute, while Nir Kumar Rai wasted a chance for NPC following a cross from Ravi Paswan five minutes later.