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Kathmandu Tuesday February 05, 2002 Magh 23, 2058.
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Late Fayne goal puts Eastern
Railways into semis
Post Report
BIRATNAGAR, Feb 4: A late goal from N Fayne
guided Eastern Railways of Kolkata to a comeback 2-1 win over Tribhuvan Club Monday,
making inroads to the semifinals of the Nirajan Memorial Invitational football tournament.
Fayne, Kolkata team’s Nigerian import,
getting better of two Tribhuvan Club defenders inside the penalty box, struck the decisive
blow 40 seconds from time.
Tribhuvan Club, who dictated the pace of the
game with a 1-0 lead until the first session, failed to repeat the same feat in the second
half, which eventually led to their exit from the competition. On the other hand, the
visitors regrouped themselves to author repeated raids netting twice in that session.
Coming up a string of well-orchestrated moves,
Tribhuvan Club forced the opposition to their toes and they had a close look at goal as
early as in the 5th minute. Tulsi Chaudhary, making a long run upfield, released a nice
through ball inside the 18-yard area for striker Prakash Rana to launch a powerful drive
towards the goal. But Eastern Railways goalkeeper S N Poderi was equal to the task to deny
the chance.
Poderi’s formidable-looking guard was
finally breached in the 34th minute following a well coordinated effort from Rana, Manoj
Thapa and Tulsi Chaudhary.
Chaudhary, after being set free by Thapa with a
clear ball, crossed it into the 6-yard box. And Rana, who was perfectly placed inside the
penalty box, cleverly headed it over the unrushing Poderi to give Tribhuvan Club 1-0 lead.
Eastern Railways pushed hard for a goal but
Tribhuvan Club custodian Chhanuram Chaudhary kept them frustrated and came out with a
clean sheet at the break.
After the breather, Eastern Railways team looked
sharper while Tribhuvan Club could hardly produce any meaningful moves and soon found
themselves on back foot.
Although Chaudhary managed to stave off several
full-blooded attempts from the Railways trio – Roy, Fayne and King early on the
second half, he was comprehensively beaten in the 70th minute.
Eastern Railwayss, utilising a free-kick against
a foul, brought the equaliser through Roy, who controlling a rebound off Fayne’s
shot, put his powerful drive past Chaudhary to make it 1-1.
With the goal, Eastern Railwayss were pumped up
and understandably so they increase a frequency of attack. However, Tribhuvan Club defence
held them from realising their wish.
And just at it seemed the extra time was
eminent, Kings dropped a long pass from the centre and Fayne, taking the ball under his
control, sneaked through two Army defenders and found the net with a powerful shot that
left Chaudhary guessing.
Eastern Region XI and Friends’ Club will
fight for the last remaining semifinal slot on Tuesday.
Other Story
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