African recruit Olakane Lawal hit off the target from spot in sudden death shootout as hosts Far West XI were knocked out from the first match of the Sudur Paschim Khaptad Gold Cup football tournament on Tuesday.

In the tournament opener at the Dhangadhi Stadium, Mechi Netralaya Kakadvitta Training Centre edged Far West XI 7-6 in the sudden death to upset the hosts. The match was pushed to tie breaker after the 90-minute regulation time ended on a goalless draw. Goalkeeper Dip Karki was the star of the match saving two spots kicks — from Madhav Karki and Rakesh Hamal.

Abdul Rehman, Narendra Chaudhary, Bijay Thakuri, Binod KC, Filim Tamang and Chetan Kumar Tharu had converted from the spot for Far West. Bhushan Limbu, Ajit Gurung, Bishwash Shrestha, man-of-the-match Karki, Nishan Limbu, Bikash Rai and Bishal Rai were on target for Kakadvitta with skipper Khamir Gilson Kandangwa and Laxman GC failing to score.

Far West took full advantage of local conditions and kept Kakadvitta under pressure almost throughout the match. The first notable chance came early in the 10th minute when Karki fumbled a shot from Binod KC and the rebound fell to Rehman. However, Karki made the amends denying Rehman from the edge.

Karki once again kept Far West at bay denying KC’s goal bound volley in the 23rd with an excellent diving save as both teams headed into the second half with goalless deadlock. Far West continued to exert pressure in the second half but luck continued to desert them. Karki denied Chetan Tharu in the 50th and a free header from Bikash Rai missed by a whisker four minutes later. In the dying moment, unmarked Madhab Bhandari failed to score on a rebound.

Kakadvitta coach Karna Thapa Magar said his team lacked coordination due to less preparation time. “The boys were not able to communicate well because we didn’t have ample of time to prepare. We were lucky to escape with a victory today. I hope the boys will make most of the three-day break from today,” said Thapa Magar.

Kakadvitta will next play Nepal Armed Police Force Club on Saturday. The tournament is the highest cash-prized knock out event of the country with the champions getting a cash bounty of Rs 2.1 million. The runners-up will get Rs 1 million. On Wednesday, Nepal Police Club will lock horns with Morang XI.

TAC edge hosts Phidim

Tribhuvan Army Club edged hosts Phidim Sporting Club 3-1 in tie breaker to enter the semi-finals of the Falgunanda Gold Cup football tournament on Tuesday. The match had to be decided from the spot after the two teams were locked at 2-2 with the completion of regulation time. Rajesh Poudel, Erik Bista and Bishwash Chaudhary converted from the spot with only Prabin Jabegu managing to score for the hosts. Saran Basnet and Om Bikram Ghale were off the target. In the regulation time, Rajeev Gurung alone scored twice for the Armymen. Jabegu and Stephan netted for Phidim. On Wednesday, Saraswoti Youth Club meet Sunsari XI. (PR)