Sports
APF hammer Lumbini 5-1
Ganesh Lawati struck a hat-trick to inspire Nepal APF Club to a resounding 5-1 win over Lumbini FC during their Red Bull National League match here at Anfa Complex in Satdobato on Thursday.Ganesh Lawati struck a hat-trick to inspire Nepal APF Club to a resounding 5-1 win over Lumbini FC during their Red Bull National League match here at Anfa Complex in Satdobato on Thursday.
The result did not make any changes in the overall standings as APF remained fifth on 23 points from 13 games, while Lumbini also stayed at ninth on eight points from 15 matches. Three Star Club stay atop with 26 points from 13 games, one ahead of Manang Marshyangdi Club. Morang are rooted at the bottom with seven points from 15 matches.
In a one-sided game, Lawati opened the scoring for the departmental team early in the fourth minute capitalising on a pass from Shyam Nepali. In a role reversal, Nepali was fed by Lawati three minutes later for the striker to cut past the Lumbini goalkeeper and slamming in an empty net.
Suraj Hamal replied for Lumbini in the 37th minute to rekindle hopes of a comeback but Lawati struck again for APF in the first half stoppage time to extend their lead. APF resumed the second half with the same momentum that fetched them three goals in first half and it took another 11 minutes for Lawati to complete his treble.
Nepali was once again the catalyst for the fourth goal as he fed Lawati inside the six-yard area for the striker to fire home the goal. Santosh Shrestha completed the rout of Lumbini by adding the fifth goal for APF.
APF coach Krishna Thapa said his team was still in the title race after the victory. “We are back into contention and hope for a positive results in our remaining matches,” said the APF coach. Thapa said Lawati’s recent scoring run will also inspire his team members to perform well in the days ahead.
Thapa’s Lumbini counterpart Yam Gurung said his side was torn apart after conceding early goals.
Army get IMS sponsorship
Tribhuvan Army Club (TAC) have joined hands with Integrated Mobility Solutions (IMS) as sponsor of the men’s football team for one year. IMS, the authorized distributor of Samsung Mobile in Nepal, will provide sports kits to the TAC worth two million rupees. TAC Major General Rajendra Bahadur Karki and IMS Chairman Deepak Malhotra exchanged the MoU here on Thursday. The agreement runs from September 1 to August 31 next year. IMS on Thursday handed over the sports kits worth Rs 1.53 million to the club. Following the agreement, TAC will wear Samsung Smart phone logo in their jersey. TAC, currently, are standing at the third spot in the ongoing National League.