Lalitpur, June 29

Tribhuvan Army Club (TAC) lifted the title of the Lalit Memorial U-18 Football Tournament here at the ANFA Complex grounds on Wednesday.

In the final match, TAC defeated Jagdamba Lumbini Football Club 3-1 in tie breaker after the regulation time ended  at 1-1 draw. Lumbini took the lead in the sixth minute when Janom Man Ligal headed home. TAC levelled the scores in the 75th minute after Prezen Tamang scored from the spot. TAC earned the penalty after a Lumbini defender brought down TAC forward inside the danger box in a corner kick.

In the tie breaker, Abhisekh Rijal, Dorje Tamang and Prezen Tamang converted their penalty kicks for TAC, while Dinesh Henjan and Anosh Magar’s shots were saved by Lumbini custodian. For Lumbini, only Ranjit Thapa was successful to convert the kick from the penalty spot, while TAC goalie saved the shots from skipper Janom Man Ligal, Mandeep Thapa and Tejendra Pun.

TAC coach Chakra Tamang was happy to lift the title. “Boys were nervous in the first half. We switched positions in the second half and it worked well,” said Tamang. “The tournament is a good platform to scout new talents,” he said.

Lumbini coach Bikash Gurung said the penalty was the turning point of the match. “The referee’s decision against us in the second half was a harsh one,” Gurung added. “And that changed the complexion of the match,” he added.

Along with the trophy, TAC received Rs 300,000, while Lumbini got Rs 150,000. TAC and Lumbini players dominated the individual awards. Chakra Tamang and Suman Aryal of TAC were awarded with the best coach and defender respectively, while Janom Man Ligal and Damodar Thapa Chhetri of Lumbini received the best forward and midfielder awards. Sushil Basnet of Sankata Club was named the best goalkeeper. The best Individuals earned Rs 15,000 each.