DHARAN: Goalkeeper Dilip Chhetri made three crucial saves against Nepal Police Club (NPC) in the tiebreaker to hand Ranipokhari Corner Team (RCT) the 12th Budha Subba Gold Cup here today.

RCT beat the departmental team 3-1 on penalties after a 2-2 deadlock in the normal and the added time.

In tiebreaker, Dipen Shrestha put the NPC ahead only for Krishna Kunwar to level the scores. Thereafter RCT custodian Chhetri made three consecutive saves, denying Bhola Silwal, Yogesh Shrestha and Robin Shrestha. On the other hand, Santosh Gurung and Dipak Rai converted for RCT to hand their club the championship.

Earlier, Dipen Shrestha had provided NPC the lead in the 28th minute before Rishi Rai drew level for RCT capitalising on a pass from Dipesh Thapa seven minutes into the second half. RCT stunned the department team when Dipak Rai put RCT in front with a 75th minute goal. But their lead could not last long as Roshan Karki scored the equaliser a minute later.

Dipen Shrestha left former national team captain and NPC coach Hari Khadka fuming when the midfielder squandered a sitter in the 21st minute. Dipen shot off target in an unattended post.

Dipen won the best player’s award and Chhetri the man-of-the-match. Dipen earned Rs 15,000 and Chhetri bagged Rs 10,000. Dipen, Roshan, Laxmi Shrestha of Dharan Football Club and Prem Limbu of Knight Chess Club of Jhapa shared the Rs 15,000 top-scorer’s cheque. All the players scored three goals in the tournament.

Champions RCT walked away with Rs 150,000 while NPC received Rs 75,000 in the annual event organised by Dharan Football Club. Yogesh Shrestha and Dipen Shrestha were also honoured as rising stars.