Himalayan News Service

Kathmandu, May 6:

Bishan Gauchan and Pradeep Maharjan scored a goal each as Three Star Club (TSC) of Nepal defeated Transport United of Bhutan 2-1, while Regar TadAZg of Tajikistan blanked Tai Power Company of Chinese Taipei 3-0 and entered the semi-finals of the AFC President’s Cup Footbal Tournament here today.

At Dasharath Stadium, TSC took lead through Bishan Gauchan in the 10th minute. Gauchan found the net on his own rebound following Santosh Sahukhala’s pass inside the D-Box.

One of Bhutan’s national players Pema Chopel scored the equaliser when he netted the ball from the D-Line, taking advantage of poor defence in the 36th minute. The visitors made as many as four long-range attempts in the first half with one of them resulting in their first goal.

Pradeep Maharjan doubled the tally for TSC on Santosh Sahukhala’s corner kick in the 43rd minute. Maharjan scored after Sahukhala’s shot was rebounded into play.

The frontline players, Sahukhala and Bijay Gurung, muffed up as many as five easy chances to score. TSC coach Dhurba KC said at the post-match press meet that the coordination among the players were lacking and some of them even indulged in selfish game.

“My boys underestimated the Bhutanese team,” said the coach. He added, “Our actual target was to score more goals.” He also revelaed that he was positive about making it to the last four. “A place in the semis is for sure if TSC play as they performed Chinese Taipei in the opener,” said KC.

Asked about if star striker Surendra Tamang would be included in the first 11, he said, “Probably not, he is not fully fit and his performance today was also not at par.”

Despite the loss, Transport United coach Dorjee Nidup was satisfied with the result and said, “My boys played a fantastic match.” He further added, “Though we have lost the hopes of advancing, I hope my boys will play well against Tai Power.”

At APF Stadium in Halchowk, Regar TadAZg beat Tai Power Company 3-0.

Irgashev Odil gave TadAZg an early lead in the sixth minute, and Muhidinov Dzhomikhon added another 11 minutes later. In the 38th minute, Tabarov Rustam sealed the victory for his team.

On Saturday, Sri Lanka’s Blue Star will take on Kyrgyzstan’s Dordoi Dynamo at Dasharath Stadium and Hello United of Cambodia will face WAPDA of Pakistan at APF Stadium.

Vision Nepal likely, says Velappan

KATHAMNDU: AFC general secretary Dato Peter Velappan said that the confederation is likely to start the Vision Nepal campaign after two years through Vision Asia. Speaking with the reporters, Velappan said, “The fundamental principle of Vision Asia is to build a ‘house with a foundation’.” He further explained that to run the campaign, there would have to be be active participation from school level so that in future, it leads to stronger clubs. “Clubs are the nucleus of football development,” he said adding that he noticed the local clubs and leagues are ignored and the only concentration was on the national team. “The campaign will need support from the Ministry of Education and Sports by working in tandem with ANFA for the development of the sport,” Velappan said, revealing that he was satisfied with the status of football in Nepal. He also said that the AFC would grant Nepal more chances to host international events. — HNS