KATHMANDU, June 2: Defending champion Nepal Police Club reached the quarterfinals of Gurkha Cup despite being held to a 1-1 draw by Simrik Saraswati Youth Club on Sunday at the Dasharath Stadium.
Nepal Police, which had lost to NMB Machhindra Club and defeated Munal Club of Jhapa in the previous matches of Group A, has four points from three matches.[break]
Machhindra, which had already entered the quarterfinals, topped the group defeating Munal 2-1 on Sunday. Machhindra has nine points from three matches. Munal, which had played a draw with Saraswati and lost to Police earlier, has only one point. Saraswati has two points from three matches.
Hem Tamang scored in the 49th minute of the match to give the lead to Nepal Police. Parbat Pandey´s corner hit a Saraswati defender and Tamang scored on the rebound from close range to put his side in front.
Police Club, which was struggling to find its rhythm, could not hold on to its lead and conceded the equalizer in the 54th minute. Tanka Lama headed home the equalizer for Saraswati after Krishna Gopal Shrestha´s shot rebounded.
Nepal Police pressed ahead in the dying minutes but Saraswati goalkeeper Ashok Baral punched a powerful shot from Hem Tamang in the 90th minute.
Nepal Police coach Birat Krishna Shrestha said that his team had to settle for a draw because of weak defense. "We don´t have anyone to support Jumanu Rai in front," said Shrestha. Saraswati coach Pradeep Nepal said that his team failed to put up an expected performance since it lacked preparation for the tournament.
Meanwhile, Munal defender Prem Limbu conceded an own goal in the 15th minute of the match against Machhindra. Limbu scored an own goal while trying to clear a cross from Bishal Rai.
Sarvottam Tuladhar added a second for Machhindra in the 70th minute. Munal goalkeeper Min Basnet failed to collect a shot from Karna Limbu and Tuladhar utilized the opportunity to double his side´s lead.
Dinesh Karki scored a consolation goal for Munal in the 79th minute in a cross from Indra Jung Limbu.
Machhindra coach Raju Kaji Shakya said that he had asked the players to relax but save the match. "We are improving and now expecting to inch closer to the title," said Shakya.
Munal coach Gambhir Rai said that the Gurkha Cup was a good experience for his side. "We played to our potential. We put up good shows against good sides from the top tier," said Rai. Munal Club was included in the Gurkha Cup as the winner of A Division District League.
Monday´s matches
RCT Vs Deshbhakta @ 14:00 NST
Three Star Vs APF @ 16:00 NST