RCT slump against Bangla league champ
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KATHMANDU, NOV 15 - Ranipokhari Corner Team (RCT) will have to wait for one more year to lift the Safal Pokhara Cup, as they were blanked 3-0 by visiting side Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi, Bangladesh, in tiebreakers at the Pokhara Stadium on Monday.
RCT were the first team to arrive at Pokhara among all the participating teams. They had reached there two weeks prior to the event to get acquainted to the playing conditions. Their hard work was put to test in first match itself when they were drawn against a tough opponent, Nepal Police Club, whom they surpassed 1-0, albeit with difficulties.
Their second test was by no means easy. Drawn against the league champions of Bangladesh, RCT were in the receiving end throughout the match but skipper Dilip Chhetri had a telling contribution for keeping them alive in the regulation and the added extra 20 minutes. He saved a penalty—a red card offence against Sahid by RCT defender Niraj Magar—in the 16th minute of extra time, pushing the game into tiebreakers.
But in the shootout it was the goalkeeper of the other side who hugged the limelight, denying two penalties. Reliable players Ntolo and Pravesh Katwal were denied by the skipper.
After a goalless first half, the visiting club, who are the former champions of the Buda Subba Cup and have also qualified for the AFC President Cup 2012, put a lot of pressure on RCT. Keeper Chhetri was kept on his toes all throughout the half.
“I had expected to win the match easily but we struggled a lot. We have to work harder if we are to win the title,” said the winner’s coach.
RCT coach Baiju Kapali opined that they were without experienced players. “The match was for anybody’s taking in the first half, but in the second half we were on the receiving end. Later Katwal’s missed penalty put a lot of pressure in the rest of the penalty takers.”
Posted on: 2011-11-15 01:46
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