KATHMANDU, June 28:Tribhuvan Army Club and Jagadamba Lumbini Football Club will vie for the maiden title of Lalit Memorial U-18 Football Tournament as both secured berths in the final on Monday. The final match will be played on Wednesday.
Army defeated Rumpum Jhapa XI Football Club 2-1 and Lumbini produced 1-0 win over CMG Club Sankata in the semifinals at the ANFA Complex, Satdobato on Monday to enter the final.
Dorje Tamang and Prezen Tamang scored a goal each for Army, while Bishwahang Rai scored the only goal for Jhapa.
Army took the lead through Dorje's goal in the 29th minute. His initial penalty shot rebounded off the bar but he was lucky to slam in the ball in second attempt. Prezen doubled the advantage in the 52nd minute.
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However, Bishwahang cut the deficit in the 69th minute to keep Jhapa's hope alive, but the district-based team failed to utilize other chances.
Earlier, Army's Abhisek Rijal had missed a penalty in the 20th minute and failed to use other goal opportunities after the interval.
Army coach Chakra Tamang said that his side played good game and was able to put pressure on opposition.
Jhapa coach Pravesh Katuwal said players were under psychological pressure against Army having majority of academy players.
In another match, Mandeep Thapa scored the match winning goal for Lumbini against Sankata.
Both the teams failed to execute on a number of occasions before Mandeep put Lumbini ahead in the 86th minute.
After the match, Lumbini coach Bikash Gurung said that playing in the sweltering heat was too tough despite his side winning the match.
His counterpart, Debendra Jung Shahi commented that his side was unlucky as goal did not come despite creating numbers of chances.
