Amar Dangol netted the decisive goal for RCT in the ninth minute of the added 20 minutes against the departmental giant dubbed as the most successful domestic team, following a goalless draw in the regulation time. Dangol scored in a cross from Resham Rana. [break]
RCT will now take on Lieutenant Sheikh Jamal Dhan Mondi Club Limited of Bangladesh in the quarterfinal on Monday.
Despite creating more opportunities than opponents, Police had an early exit after it squandered some scoring chances. Police was without five influential members including Jumanu Rai, Bharat Khawas, Ritesh Thapa, Ramesh Katwal and Rabin Shrestha as they are in the closed camp of the national team.
Parbat Pandey´s freekick in the second minute of second half rebounded hitting bar and the Police´s second attempt was denied by goalie Dilip Chhetri. Similarly, RCT glovesman Dilip Chhetri denied three corners taken by Yogesh Shrestha.
RCT studded with three African recruits created fewer chances than opponents. Police´s goalie Bishal Shrestha denied a counter attack in the eighth minute of the second half.
Police coach Birat Krishna Shrestha commented that absence of influential members in the team and lack of control on ball as the cause of defeat.
"We could not have proper preparations and failed to hold the ball. The players also repeated same mistakes from the beginning," Shrestha said.
Winning side coach Madhu Karki commented that his side played better in the second half. "We have stronger side that Police in current situation and we were sure of achieving victory," said Karki.
The host team Pokhara XI will take on Bhutan´s league champion Transport United in the third pre-quarterfinal of the event.
Waichung´s team replaces MMC
Waichung Bhutia´s team United Sikkim FC will replace Laxmi Hyundai Manang Marshyangdi Club (MMC) in the Safal Cup after the latter decided to pull out of the tournament owing to scarcity of players. Indian national team´s former captain Bhutia will lead the Sikkim based team, according to the organizer.
The team has received bye and will play quarterfinal match against the winner among Pokhara XI and Transport United on Friday.
Similarly, there has also been change in schedule of the tournament after conformation of the arrival of Waichung´s team. Mega Three Star has been kept in place of MMC while United Sikkim has been fielded in Three Star´s place.
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