Saraswati’s Nigerian player John Dike scored a brace to seal the victory. Dike scored the first goal in the 31st minute utilizing a cross from Subin Shrestha in the danger zone. He then doubled the lead in the 67th minute of the match.[break]
Dike later received the man-of-the-match award, which was sponsored by Nerolac Paints.
Earlier, Saraswati missed a scoring chance in the 64th minute as a shot from Krishna Gopal Shrestha deflected off a Manipur defender. Despite putting up a good show, Manipur failed to score. On the other hand, Saraswati converted its chances.
Manipur coach Deepak Limbu conceded the defeat but declined to comment further.
Despite the win, Saraswati coach Pradeep Nepal said his team could not perform as expected. “We have to improve our performance in the upcoming match and we are hopeful that we’ll improve,” said Nepal.
Saraswati will take on the winner of the match between CMG Club Sankata, Kathmandu and Abahani Krira Chakra, Bangladesh in the semifinal. Sankata and Abahani are set to face each other on Friday. Meanwhile, Yeti Himalayan Sherpa Club, Kathmandu will take on Durgapur Ispat of Kolkata, India on Thursday.
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