Nepal Police Club survives WAPDA scare

Nepal Police Club nearly smelt a rat but Ritesh Thapa saved a penalty kick in the wee hours to provide Nepal Police Club a 1-1 draw against Pakistan's WAPDA in the second match of 4th AFC Presidents Cup in Malaysia on Tuesday.

Jumanu Rai was once again the hero scoring the leveling goal in the 89th minute. Earlier Pakistan took the lead in the 79th minute through Julfikar Ali Shah. The Police Team seemed little lagging in the start but controlled the match and performed a dominating game. Jumanu Rai could have scored early but his many attempts were foiled by the Pakistani goalie. Rai also found the net in 45th minute but the assistant referee ruled out the goal tagging off side.

After the lemon break, the Pakistani team dominated for a while and put Nepalese players under pressure. Pakistan then scored, but the lead was cancelled by Jumanu later on.

The game almost did a U turn when Rakesh Shrestha was sent off for fouling a Pakistani player inside the D-box in injury time and was awarded penalty kick. But Ritesh Thapa saved the kick with a right hand save.

Now NPC have to win against Regar Tadaz of Tajikistan in its last match on 26th June. nepalnews.com bt June 24 08

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