Dharan, February 18:

Nabil Three Star Club defeated Tribhuvan Army Club (TAC) 2-0 to win the 11th International Invitational Budha Subba Tuborg Gold Cup Football Tournament here today.

Bishan Gauchan and Santosh Sahukhala scored for the Lalitpur-based ‘A’ Division outfit. With the win, Three Star became the second team after Nepal Police Club to win three titles.

After a goalless first half, Gauchan put Three Star ahead in the 31st minute into the second half when he controlled skipper Surendra Tamang’s corner before slotting past Army goalkeeper Bikash Malla. Sahukhala doubled the tally 11 minutes later when he converted the free kick from the edge of the box. Three Star earned the free kick after TAC defender Daimoj Dhimal brought down Three Star skipper Tamang.

TAC created two goal scoring opportunities in the first half. Three Star goalkeeper Kiran Chemjong saved Pradeep Kunwar’s strike from the d-box in the 18th minute, while Kunwar, fed by Shiva Chaudhary, failed to score in the 44th minute. For Three Star, Yugal Kishor Rai failed to meet a long pass from skipper Tamang in the 32nd minute. Raju Tamang of TAC was named the man of the match and earned Rs 5,000.

Three Star Club coach Bal Gopal Maharjan said the continuous pressure on the opponents was the reason behind the success. “They put pressure on their opponents throughout the match that made our win easier,” said Maharjan.

Tribhuvan Army Club coach Raju Kaji Shakya rued the missed chances. “We failed to utilise the opportunities,” he said. Shakya also accepted that the team lost due to the weak performance from the strikers.

Three Star Club earned Rs 150,000 along with the winner’s trophy, while runners up TAC bagged Rs 75,000.

Three Star goalkeeper Kiran Chemjong was named the best player of the tournament and received Rs 25,000, while Hari Mahato became the highest goal scorer of the tournament with three goals to his credit. Mahato earned Rs 15,000. All Nepal Football Association President Ganesh Thapa gave away the prizes.