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MMC through to semis
DHARAN, DEC 24 - National League Champions Manang Marshyangdi Club (MMC) toiled hard for a 1-0 win over local Dharan ‘Blue’ in the last quarterfinal of the ongoing Budhasubba Gold Cup Invitational Football tournament today.
The sole goal of the match came from MMC Nepali international Basanta Thapa in the 18th minute. With the win, star-studded MMC will face off Shyamnagar Tarun Kolkata in the second semifinal of the tournament while their arch-rivals Mahendra Police Club (MPC) lock horns against stubborn Dharan ‘Yellow’ in the first semifinal on Wednesday.
Backed by Dharan Stadium’s capacity crowd, the young local team gave MMC a good run for their money throughout. Striker Rajan Rayamajhi and Tashi Tshering missed a chance apiece before Basanta put MMC 1-0 up in the 18th minute. Basanta took winger Basanta Gauchan’s pass in his stride and unleashed a powerful drive from inside the 18-yard box to score the decisive goal.
"The ground is unusual for my boys so they failed to convert chances," MMC coach Arjun Lama told The Kathmandu Post. The champions also missed captain Kumar Thapa today but Lama hoped Thapa will be fit for their semifinal clash against Shaymnagar Tarun Kolkata.
Basanta Gauchan squandered a close chance to double the lead in the 77th minute when he beat goalie Sundar Limbu but his strike struck the woodwork. Dharan also created handful of chances but goalkeeper Binod Dangol stood tall denying upset result on the day. Dharan’s Sachin Rai was later declared man-of-the-match.
Despite the loss, Dharan coach Manoj Shrestha had all praise for his young team for playing a tough game against country’s best team. "This junior team has done pretty well against star-studded side like MMC," he added.Posted on: 2003-12-25 04:55
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