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Kathmandu,Saturday January 29, 2000 Magh 15th, 2056.
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Nepal
Red beat Thailand 3-0 to meet Soongsil University in final
-By
a Post Reporter
KATHMANDU,
Jan 28- Inspired by a scintillating second half performance Nepal Red
registered a comprehensive 3-0 victory over Thai Airforce in the
second semi-final here today.
The
win put them in the final against Soongsil University that will be
played on Sunday.
The
match began with both the sides finding it difficult to strike the
right combination early on. But the Thai team manned by skipper Somsak
looked solid in defence while on the other side Nepal’s defenceline
comprising Anil Subba, Sandesh Shrestha and rest looked jaded.
It
was the Thai Army team which had the first real opportunity to surge
ahead but Songserm who had loads of time with only keeper to beat shot
the ball wide off the target. A goal here, in the 21st minute of the
match, could have been the turning point of the match. But the luck
seemed to be in Nepal’s side at this juncture.
Some
five minutes later Naresh Joshi also had good opportunity to put Nepal
ahead from near the post but his hastily taken shot could not beat the
keeper Kumpanat.
In
the 35th minute Hari Khadka was looking threatening with the ball but
he was foiled by a tight Thai defence. But Nepal was beginning
to take control of the match with continuous raid the Thai citadel.
Amidst
this flurry of Nepalese attack, Kumar Thapa, in the 41st minute
produced probably the goal of the tournament. His long 25 yard left
footer left the usually agile Thai keeper not even a chance to move.
Kumpanat was just left watching the ball sail over his head and crash
into the net to the delight of the partisan crowd.
Nepal
led 1-0 at half time.
Thailand
started the second half in a blistering pace and tried to rattle the
Nepalese defence immediately. Nepal, on the other hand were probably
expecting this and remained calm and composed. In the third minute of
the second half following a counter attack, Hari Khadka and Rajan
Rayamahi, combined perfectly to produce the second goal for Nepal.
Rayamajhi who had replaced an injured Naresh Joshi just before the
half time was put clear by Khadka and Rayamajhi made no mistake with
just the keeper to beat.
Hari
Khadka had a fascinating second half and he seemed to enjoy the
company of Rayamajhi as two of them with helpful support from Rajesh
Shahi, Kumar Thapa were now looking threatening with every move they
made.
With
every passing minute, Thai Army were looking desperate and made number
of changes bringing in Vithapongi for Noppadon and Vichid for Kwan.
Nepal
also replaced Sandesh Shrestha with Rabin Byanjankar whose entry also
proved lucky for Nepal as immediately after he gave a through pass to
Hari Khadka who after edging past couple of rival players inside the
D-area put the ball inside the net for a commanding 3-0 lead.
Nepal
also had a number of chances after that but failed to convert them.
Meanwhile,
Thai skipper Somsak was shown the only Red card of the tournament.
Nepal
Red take on Soongsil University on Sunda y’s final clash.
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