Rupandehi beat Sahara to enter quarter-finals

Himalayan News Service

Pokhara, January 14:

Rupandehi XI beat Sahara ‘Blue’ 1-0 and entered the quarter-finals of the third Aha Gold Cup Football Tournament, which has been organised by Sahara Club, today. Rupandehi skipper Krishna Gurung took advantage of the confusion between Sahara ‘Blue’ defender Hem Gurung and goalkeeper Sanjib Shrestha and scored the only goal of the match in the 62nd minute.

The home team was ousted from the tournament after its strikers failed to capitalise on their chances. Sahara almost went ahead in the early minutes but Naresh KC’s attempt went inches wide. Deepak Thapa had a chance to score for Rupandehi in the 22nd minute, but ended up with a wide shot from the penalty area, which Sahara goalkeeper Sanjib Shrestha gathered easily. Rupandehi goalkeeper Waris Gurung stood like a wall in the secong half as he foiled atleast least a dozen attempts from Sahara Club.

In the 59th minute, Suraj Gurung’s try from the edge of the penalty area went inches above the cross bar, while Rupandehi custodian Waris Gurung saved Sujan Gurung’s attempt moments later. In the 80th minute, Rupandehi almost doubled the tally, but Sahara defender Prem Pun saved a certain goal on Deepak Thapa’s attempt. Waris Gurung of Rupandehi was declared man of the match.

On Saturday, Sahara ‘Red’ will play against Mohun Bagan Academy of Kolkata in the first quarter-final match.