Supersub Firon Magarati scored the winner in the 81st minute of the match to give Jawalakhel a winning start in Group D of the tournament. Magarati, who replaced Suraj Rai in the 43rd minute, scored with a one-touch strike after receiving a cross from Umesh Thapa.[break]
Friends Club, some of whose key players from last season including national team captain Sagar Thapa, midfielder Jagjeet Shrestha and young midfielder Prakash Budhathoki have joined other clubs, could not pose any real threat to Jawalakhel.
Jawalakhel"s Raj Paudel had a chance to score in the 76th minute but Friends goalkeeper Ajit Prajapati, who moved from Bansbari Club, blocked Paudel"s shot from six yards.
´We tried to put up a good show but we failed since the team is yet to set. We"ll definitely put up improved performance in the upcoming matches,´ said Friends coach Megharaj KC.
´We won the match despite lack of preparation, and it has boosted our morale. We"ll also improve our performance in the upcoming matches,´ said Jawalakhel coach Raj Kumar KC, who is assigned to look after the team for the Gurkha Cup.
Meanwhile, the first match of Boys Union after returning to A division ended in a defeat.
Dhiraj Tamang scored from the edge of the area in the 73rd minute to provide a 1-0 lead to Yeti Himalayan. Jas Bahadur Gurung scored one minute before the end of regulation time to seal a 2-0 win for Yeti Himalayan. Subash Gurung"s shot rebounded off the bar but Jas Bahadur Gurung struck home.
Yeti Himalayan coach Bikash Gauchan and Boys Union coach Bijay Maharjan both said that their teams were yet to set and they didn"t get time to prepare for the tournament.
Tuesday"s Matches
Saraswati Vs Munal @ 14:00 NST
Nepal Police Vs Machhindra @ 16:00 NST
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