Budhathoki scores winners for Army

Tek Bahadur Budhathoki scored a solitary goal to send Tribhuvan Army Club (TAC) at the top of the Red Bull National League with a battling 1-0 win over departmental rivals Armed Police Force Budhathoki scores winners for Army

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Published at : September 21, 2015

Updated at : September 21, 2015 08:09

Lalitpur

Budhathoki headed home past a diving APF custodian Amrit Chaudhary following a freekick from Santosh Tamang in the 7st minute. The result meant the Army club climbed to the summit of the nine-team standings with 17 points from nine games. Jhapa, who also have 17 points from 10 games, dropped to second on goal difference. APF stay on fourth with 14 points from nine games.

TAC coach Megh Raj KC said: “The game was evenly contested. Both the teams had their chances but we were able to convert one of them. Whats more important is that We have won three valuable points. We will continue to fight until the end. Regardless of the final outcome of the League, my boys will give their 100 percent.”

Goal scoring chances were few and far in the first half with Heman Gurung of APF denied by the woodwork early in the sixth minute, while TAC skipper and national team striker Bharat Khawas unable to direct the ball towards goal in the early exchanges. With APF goalie out of position, Khawas’ shot from a tight angel hit the upright.

TAC coach KC brought in Rajeev Gurung in place of ineffective Tanka Basnet after the break and the change brought life in their game. The Army club piling

pressure after the break which duly paid off in the 71st minute through Budhathoki’s goal. Budhathoki had come close to scoring two minutes earlier when his shot off Khawas’ cross hit the cross bar.

The Armymen were down to 10 men after their skipper Khawas was sent off for the second bookings two minutes into the injury time. But they kept their cool to protect their lead to collect all three points. The Army survived a scare deep into the stoppage time when Jangbhu Sherpa failed give proper direction to the ball on a cross from Santosh Shrestha.

Despite the defeat, the APF coach Krishna Thapa praised his team’s performance.