Himalayan News Service

Dharan, February 20:

Santosh Sahukhala scored one and set up another for Pradeep Maharjan as Three Star Club scored two goals in five minutes in their 2-0 win over Morang-XI 2-0 in the first quarter-final of the seventh Budha Subba Tuborg Gold Cup Football Tournament here at Dharan Stadium today.

Sahukhala put Three Star ahead in the 75th minute. Fed by Pravesh Katuwal in the penalty box, Shahukhala dodged two defenders before firing the ball into the net leaving Morang-XI custodian Surendra Shrestha stranded. Pradeep Maharjan ensured the victory with a superb goal five minutes later. Maharjan took a back pass from Sahukhala and fired home from 20 yards. Sahukhala was later named the man of the match.

Three Star had to face unexpected resistance from the Morang players, who made the national league champions wait for 75 minutes to score.

Despite the loss, Morang-XI coach Santosh Baniya was happy with his boys performance. “My boys played well, and we went down fighting to a stronger opponent,” he said.

For TSC, Shahukhala almost scored in the 17th minute, but Morang custodian Surendra Shrestha foiled his attempt. In the 34th minute, Shrestha came had to leave his position to save Ramesh Sinkeman’s attempt.

On Monday, Mahendra Police Club will take on hosts Dharan ‘yellow’.