Prakash Budhathoki and Nigerian recruit Segun scored a goal each to seal victory for Dharan FC on home ground. With the win, Dharan FC also entered the semifinals of the tournament. The host had crashed out from the very first match in the last two editions.[break]
Dharan FC made an attacking start and was rewarded with an early lead. Budhathoki put his side ahead capitalizing on the CFC goalkeeper´s failure to clear a shot from Deepak Rai in the seventh minute of the match.
The visiting side leveled the scores in the injury time of the first half through penalty. The referee awarded spot kick to CFC after Dharan FC captain Charles Rai handled the ball in an attempt to clear the ball. Soren scored from the spot to make it 1-1.
Segun scored in the 76th minute to seal the match 2-1 in favor of Dharan. Segun struck home after collecting a long pass from goalkeeper Binay Shrestha.
Dharan FC, which has included eight players from various A Division clubs for the tournament, missed several other scoring chances during the match.
Budhathoki was adjudged the man-of-the-match. He received a cash prize of Rs 5,000.
Dharan FC coach Sagar Ghimire said his team is yet to set properly since some of the players reached Dharan only on Saturday morning. "We could have scored more if we had adequate time to set the team," said Ghimire. However, he expressed delight at the victory.
CFC Bhutan coach Bikash Pradhan said his boys failed to perform to their potential. "These boys had only played a league tournament in a year and they are inexperienced," said Pradhan.
Dharan FC will take on the winner of the match between Army Club and Laxmi Hyundai Manang Marshyangdi Club in the semifinal on Wednesday. Meanwhile, defending champion Three Star Club will lock horns with Sahara Club, Pokhara on Sunday.
Earlier, National Sports Council Member Secretary Yuvaraj Lama inaugurated the tournament. On the occasion, the organizing committee felicitated Dharan-UK Forum and its treasurer Rajiv Shrestha for their cooperation.
Likewise, South Asian Games medalist boxer Nima Lama, karate coach Chandra Kala Rai, boxer Nirmal Ijam Limbu, karateka Jina Subba and District Sports Development Committee office-secretary Kumar Pokharel were also felicitated during the inauguration ceremony.
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