Nawayug Shrestha, who was declared man-of-the-match, led the departmental team ahead in the 44th minute with a powerful 35-yard shot leaving goalie Dinesh Thapa helpless. [break]
Earlier, Jawalakhel’s Karki squandered a scoring chance after his penalty in the 24th minute was brilliantly denied by goalie Gangaram Deuja. Jawalakhel was awarded with the penalty after Deuja brought down Bishal Rai in the box.
Army, which had played 1-1 draw against Jawalakhel during the league, doubled the tally in the 66th minute when Hari Mahato slammed in Tek Bahadur Budhatoki’s pass to steer the team into the quarterfinals.
Karna Limbu pulled one back for Jawalakhel in the 79th minute utilizing a freekick of Bishal Rai. Jawalakhel’s effort to hit back the equalizer until the last moment went in vain as it failed to get the back of the net.
With the victory, Army also avenged the defeat suffered against Jawalakhel during the final of Tilottama Gold Cup held in Butwal, about a year earlier.
Army custodian Deuja punched Karna Limbu’s strike in the 27th and Amar Subba missed another opportunity in the 76th minute.
Similarly, Army also squandered some opportunities as Tek Bahadur Budathoki missed two opportunities in the first half while Tanka Basnet and scorer Shrestha also squandered one chance each.
Jawalakhel coach Kishor KC lamented the missed penalty. “To miss the penalty become great setback for the team. We could have come up with different strategy had the penalty been converted,” KC said adding, “Only a week-long training was insufficient for the team.”
Despite his side’s victory, Army coach Yogamber Suwal could not be satisfied with his team’s performance. “Despite long training, the boys could not play upto expectations.”
Army’s opponent in the quarterfinal, earlier scheduled to play against Laxmi Hyundai Manang Marshyangdi Club (MMC), is yet to be decided after the latter pulled out of the tournament.
Yeti Himalayan Sherpa Club will take on New Road Team (NRT) in the second pre-quarterfinal on Wednesday. Earlier, All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) President Ganesh Thapa inaugurated the tournament.