Departmental team Nepal Police Club (NPC) stunned hosts Dharan FC 3-1 to enter the final of the International Invitational Budha Subba Gold Cup football tournament here at the Anfa Technical Centre on Thursday.

Jumanu Rai scored a brace for NPC after Rejin Subba of Dharan cancelled out the opener from Man Bahadur Pariyar. In the final match to be held on Saturday, Policemen will take on Simara Gold Cup champions Sankata Club. The match will also give NPC an opportunity to win their fourth Budha Subba title.

NPC were in firm control of the game and after piling some pressure they were rewarded with a freekick outside the box after Dharan’s Suraj BK fouled Abhishek Rijal outside the area. 

Buddha Lama took the kick and his shot found Pariyar inside the box and the latter no made mistake making a cool finish. 

Dharan, however, hit back six minutes later when Hem Gurung crossed for an unmarked Subba, who headed home for a perfect finish. But Rai restored the lead in the 40th minute converting his freekick from the edge of the area as NPC went into the second half with a 2-1 lead.

The hosts missed several goal scoring opportunities and Rai was spot on in the 66th minute scoring in a counter attack following a pass from Suraj Ghimire. The hosts were hoping to clinch their first ever title having bolstered their squad by inclusion of African recruits and experienced players but luck once again deserted them.

Dharan coach Subash KC blamed lack of coordination in his boys for the defeat. “We were expecting a lot of from our experienced players but they didn’t fare well. While our defense was also not doing well, the players were not able to coordinate properly as well,” said KC. 

His NPC counterpart Kumar Katuwal lauded the performance of his side. “Dharan team were filled will the experienced players  and our boys were put under pressure in the early stages. But once we changed our strategy, we began to strengthen our grip in the game,” said Katuwal.