POKHARA, Feb 6: Japan’s Riso University has advanced into the semifinals of the ongoing Manakamana Cable Car Pokhara Club defeating departmental team Nepal Police Club 1-0 in Pokhara on Tuesday. 

In the quarterfinal match played at Pokhara Stadium, a goal from Yasuta Suzuki in the first half helped the invitational team defeat tournament favorite Police to reach the last four of the tournament. 

The team, playing its first tournament in Pokhara, scored in the 20th minute through Suzuki after he received a pass from Tatsuki Takeda. 

University looked pretty sharp with its performance, even more so than Police, and Suzuki scored in one touch after receiving a good pass from Takeda. 

Police goalkeeper looked pretty busy as University constantly attacked with good moves. Police keeper saved a convincing shot after Takuya Hiltomi beat the entire Police defense and got a shot in the first half. 

University also got some other chances to add on to its score, but could not convert them. Hiltomi hit a corner in the 33rd minute, but Yasinho’s header went wide, while Deichi Agawa’s header was brilliantly cleared from the goalline by Police captain Bikram Dhimal in the 38th minute after the goalkeeper had already been beaten. Also, Hiroto Hosikawa’s long rang shot was brilliantly saved by the Police keeper in the 42nd minute. 

Police head coach Ananta Raj Thapa said that the game was a lesson for the team and he took it as a means to learn something. 

"We got a chance to learn from the Japanese University’s team and learned how to play modern football. We thought we could win because it was a young team, but conceding the goal came as a turning point in the game," said Thapa.  Police showed improvements in the second half, but could not score. 

Police’s Bharat Shah hit a shot in the 69th minute, but University keeper saved it brilliantly. Shah hit the shot after the ball came as a rebound of a Hari Kathayat shot. 

University coach Takes Tokairin said: "The Pokhara Stadium is new to us. It was tough playing in a new stadium as it is different from Japan’s. The travelling also made the players tired. But, despite that, the players gave their all for the whole 90 minutes. The players aren’t completely fit though."

A-Division League winner Manang Marshyangdi Club will take on first division outfit Brigade Boys Club on Wednesday. 

 
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