Himalayan Sherpa Club registered a hard fought 3-1 win over Friends Club in extra time to claim the title of first Chandragiri Gold Cup football tournament in Naikap on Tuesday. 

Sherpas came from a goal down to salvage 1-1 draw in the fading moments of regulation time after Friends were restricted to 10-man in the second half.  Lawal gave breakthrough to the Lalitpur-based outfits in the 61st minute after his shot found a deflection off a Sherpas defender before entering the net. Friends were forced to play with a man down seven minutes later when Rumesh Bartaula was sent off for a double booking.  

Sherpas made the numerical advantage count piling consistence pressure on their opponents. Their pressure finally told in the 90th minute as Bishan Gurung scored an equaliser on a pass of skipper Man Bahadur Tamang. “We made full use of the numerical advantage in the later stages,” said Himalayan Sherpa coach Nabin Pande. 

Piyus Henry made it 2-1 in the eight minute of additional time and Cedric Aba sealed the victory two minutes before the final whistle.  With the victory, Sherpa earned Rs 500,000 while Friends received Rs 250,000. Bishan Gurung of Himalayan Sherpa won the best player award and Friends skipper Dhiraj Shrestha took highest scorer award for scoring three goals in the tournament. Both the players were rewarded with Rs 30,000 each.  

Organised by Bright Youth Club of Naikap, the tournament featured eight teams including seven ‘A’ division sides and hosts.  

Manang to meet Armymen in final

DAMAK: Manang Marshyangdi Club (MMC) on Tuesday set the title clash of second Satashi Gold Cup football tournament with Tribhuvan Army Club after defeating hosts Satashidham Sporting Club 2-1 in the semi-final in Jhiljhile on Tuesday. Bimal Rana gave an early fourth minute lead to MMC utilising a pass from Bishal Rana. Rejin Lama equalised for the hosts in the 27th minute. Nepali international Bishal Rai scored the decisive goal in the 87th to stun home supporters. The final is on Thursday. (PR)