MMC down Galaxian 2-0 to enter semis

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BIRATNAGAR, Feb 2: Two goals at the fag end saved Manang Marsyangdi Club’s (MMC) blushes as they edged past Galaxian Club 2-0 in the first quarterfinal of the Nirajan Memorial Invitational Football tournament played at local Sahid Stadium on Saturday.

MMC striker Basanta Thapa and Rajan Rayamajhi scored in the 87th and 89th minute to bring the cheers for the highly rated MMC.

The match looked like creeping for sudden death period as both the teams failed to break the ice till 87 minutes of the match. But Thapa, showing his international experience dodged advancing Galaxian goalkeeper Ritesh Thapa and headed home a much-needed strike to end Galaxian hope.

MMC captain Kumar Thapa was the man behind the goal. His corner kick was well controlled by Rayamajhi at the centre. Rayamajhi, seeing goalie Thapa advancing towards him, did not take the charge himself and lofted the ball for Thapa who connected with head.

As just three minutes were remaining for the final whistle, all the Galaxian players marched at the MMC territory with the hope of gaining the eqaliser but that invited more disaster as Rayamajhi used the opportunity and further confirmed MMC’s dominance. In the counter-attack, Rayamajhi-Thapa duo lead the ball inside the 18-yard territory and this time Rayamajhi headed home a goal beating Galaxian custodian Thapa to seal the 2-0 victory.

The 5000 strong spectators watching the match- tournament’s maximum numbers - had all praise for Galaxian Club striker duo Ritesh Khadka and Surendra Tamang and goalkeeper Ritesh Thapa. On the other hand, despite their victory, international experience holders Basanta Thapa, Rajan Raymajhi, Kumar Thapa failed to impress the crowd.

Earlier, Galaxian goalie Ritesh Thapa kept all the attempts of MMC players at bay through a brilliant performance under the bar. Thapa saved almost 15 attacks of the opponents.

Thapa looked promising from the outset when he demonstrated a full-stretched dive to save a powerful rightfooter from Basanta Thapa as early as in the 3rd minute. Likewise, he also held some close attempts, mainly off Rayamajhi and Deepak Lama, in 14th and 28th minute respectively.

Playing against country’s renowned football powerhouse, Galaxian boys also made a couple of convincing moves at MMC territory. But MMC keeper Binod Dangol demonstrated more brilliance sidelining their occasional attacks.

In the 31st minute, Khadka connected a mighty shot from just inside the penalty area but Dangol, showing sublime keeping punched the ball outside to avoid the Galaxian chance of taking the lead. Likewise, he also saved three shots of Tamang in the 33rd, 35th and 44th minute.

Khadka failed to convert the match’s most convincing chance for Galaxian in the 57th minute. Khadka hit the ball, centered by Tamang inside the penalty area, an inch outside the cross bar when he had only Dangol to beat under the bar.

Mahendra Police Club (MPC), the champions of recently concluded Birendra Memorial Invitational Football tournament will take on Rani Pokhari Corner Team (RCT) in the tournament’s second quarterfinal on Sunday.

Chitrakar, Dhakwa triumph

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KATHMANDU, Feb 2: Team of Gopal Chitrakar and Sunil Dhakwa emerged as the winner of Gen. Kiran Memorial Golf Tournament played at Royal Nepal Golf Club in Kathmandu on Saturdady. Chitrakar and Dhakwa played nine under par to clinch the shield and prize with net score of 58. Their nearest rival Prabhakar Yakthumba and Bipul Sharma finished six under.

While giving away the shield and prizes to the winners, the grand son of Gen. Kiran, Mr. Prasant Rana said that the tournament will continue in the near future which was so enthusiastically organized and sponsored by his late grand father Gen. Kiran.

Speaking on the occasion President of RNGC Mr. S.K. Sing said that the Gen.Kiran Memorial Golf Tournmanet has been running in the club since 22 years and was initiated by the then founding President Gen. Kiran himself. He also said that this tournament is regarded as one of the most prestigious competition among the members.

Tournament was played in the Greensome format, where the players of the team play the best ball and are given half handicap of their combined figure.