Olawale Oladipo Afeez struck twice to steer Manang Marshyangdi Club (MMC) into the final of the Duhabi Gold Cup football tournament with a 2-1 win over Jhapa-XI on Thursday.

Afeez scored eighth minute into the second half before adding his second 18 minutes later to set Saturday’s championship clash with Tribhuvan Army Club. Bishal Rai pulled one back for Jhapa just before the final whistle.

Wasteful MMC squander several goal scoring opportunities in the first half, notably in the 27th minute Sujal Shrestha was denied by the woodwork. Bimal Gharti Magar also shot off target in the rebound. MMC’s search for a goal finally came eight minutes after resumption as Anil Gurung finding Afeez on the left wing for the striker to slam past Jhapa custodian Dinesh Thapa Magar.

Jhapa came close to equalizing 10 minutes later but Bikesh Limbu should have done better than shooting wide from close following a Saruka Limbu. The missed proved costly as MMC doubled their lead in the 71st minute and although Bishal Rai pulled one back, it was too late for Jhapa to force the match into extra-time.