Dhangadhi, January 16

Ruslan Three Star Club defeated Mechi Netralaya Kakarvitta Football Training Centre 2-0 and advanced to the final of the third Nepal Ice International Farwest Khaptad Gold Cup here at the Dhangadhi Stadium today.

Rupesh KC and Sunil Bal scored a goal each for the A division outfit. After a goalless first half, KC opened the scoring in 69th minute.

Buddha Chemjong headed the ball towards KC after meeting a cross from Ranjan Bista and unmarked KC did no mistake in burying the ball into the goal from six-yard box.

Three Star doubled the tally in the 80th minute, this time from set piece. Three Star earned a free kick at the edge of the penalty box after Bikash Rai brought down Ranjan Bista and Bal converted the free kick into a sensational goal.

Earlier, Three Star came close to scoring in the 14th minute but Kakarvitta goalkeeper Deep Karki saved Adama Dumbiya’s shot after Ranjan Bista’s attempt on Sunil Bal’s corner rebounded to play. Fode Fofana wasted another chance in the 21st minute for Three Star.

Rupesh KC’s volley shot was saved by Kakarvitta goalie Karki in the 53rd minute, while Angel Gurung’s ended up with a wayward shot at the other end. Three Star’s Bal won the man-of-the-match award sponsored by RK Construction and he earned Rs 10,000.

Three Star coach Ujjwal Manandhar said the team was eager to heal the wounds of Pulsar Martyrs Memorial A Division League by winning the title in Dhangadhi. Three Star had finished third in the recently-concluded league. On Thursday, CMG Club Sankata will take on Nepal Police Club in the second semi-final match.

The final is slated for Saturday. The winners of the biggest knockout tournament held outside the valley will get Rs 2.1 million, while the runners-up will earn one million rupees.