DHANGADHI, Feb 23: The departmental team Armed Police Force (APF) Club came from a goal down to beat New Road Team (NRT) 2-1 and advance into the quarterfinals of the ongoing fourth Sudur Paschim International Invitational Khaptad Gold Cup on Saturday.
In the second match of the tournament played at the Dhangadhi Stadium, APF scored two goals in the space of five second-half minutes to overturn a first-half deficit of 1-0.
APF, who performed poor in the first half, came back with an improved playing set and won the game.
NRT took the lead in the 39th minute as A-Division League rising talent Darshan Gurung gave a pass to captain Prakash Budathoki, and he finished well for the team.
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APF, who improved its performance in the second period, equalized in the 60th minute to get back into the game. Man of the match Ramesh
Dangal converted a Sudip Sikrakhar free-kick to score for the team.
Five minutes later, Biku Tamang overturned to the deficit to take the lead for APF as he scored taking advantage of a poor defensive performance from NRT. The lack of combination was imminent as the substitute Tamang scored for the team.
Both the teams got good chances to score more in the game, but missed them. APF’s Dangal hit a header in the first minute of the match, but it was saved by NRT keeper Ajit Prajapati.
NRT’s Yannick gave a pass to Darshan in the 11th minute, but his shot was saved again by APF keeper Raju Nagarkoti. Two minutes later, NRT wasted another chance as captain Budathoki’s shot was saved by Nagarkoti again. APF got a good chance in the 33rd minute, but could not score a first half goal. A-Division League’s highest scorer Aashish Lama hit a shot past keeper Prajapati, but his shot did not cross the muddy touchline.
Nawa Jagriti Club of Simara will take on Madan Bhandari Sports Club in the third match on Sunday.
A total of 12 teams from Nepal and India are taking part in the tournament, which runs till March 3.
The winner of the tournament will be rewarded with a cash prize of Rs 2.101 million, while the runner-up will bag Rs 1.01 million. Also, the best player of the tournament will receive a motorcycle, while the best players of each category will earn Rs 15,000 each.
Likewise, the man of the match of every game will receive Rs 10,000.
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