Sports
Army shoot Farwest out in Hetauda Gold Cup
Tribhuvan Army Club edged Farwest XI 5-3 on penalties to enter the semi-finals of the Hetauda Gold Cup football tournament at the Institute of Forestry grounds in Hetauda on Monday.Tribhuvan Army Club edged Farwest XI 5-3 on penalties to enter the semi-finals of the Hetauda Gold Cup football tournament at the Institute of Forestry grounds in Hetauda on Monday.
The match was pushed to tiebreaker after Binod KC netted three minutes from time for Farwest to cancel out Army’s second half lead as the match finished in 1-1 deadlock. Army, fresh from their Simara Gold Cup title on Saturday, converted all five shots from the spots. Nawayug Shrestha, Bharat Khawas, Deep Lama, Bimal Basnet and Bikesh Kuthu hit the target for the departmental giants.
Binod KC, Bhogendra Chaudhary and Chetan Tharu were the only successful penalty-takers for Farwest. Rakesh Hamal’s shot drew controversy in the match after referee disallowed him the goal. Hamal’s strike from the spot smashed the upright before getting a deflection from Kuthu. Farwest coach Suresh Hamal claimed the ball has crossed the goalline.
Hamal argued that his player had converted from the spot and such error would cost dearer for teams outside of the Valley. “It was a valid goal and we have even submitted the video footage of the goal to organisers and the referee. The players gave their best and were neck-to-neck against fit team like Army. But we became a victim of referee’s poor decision,” he said.
Nawayug made the breakthrough in the 69th when he unleashed a powerful shot from outside the zone leaving goalie Gahatraj hardly any time to react. KC restored the parity three minutes from time. Army coach Nabin Neupane said his side came under pressure due to exhaustion caused by hectic schedule. Three Star Club will take on Sankata Club in another quarter-final on Tuesday.