BUTWAL, April 1: Laxmi Hyundai Manang Marshyangdi Club has advanced into the final of the ongoing third Madan Bhandari Gold Cup Football Tournament with a thumping 5-0 victory over Sunaulo Sangam on Saturday.
Sunaulo, who had the support of the home crowd played really well, but a 27th minute penalty by Manang spoiled the party. Manang was rewarded the penalty after Sunaulo’s players fouled Bimala Rana inside the box. Sujal Shrestha converted the penalty for Manang.
Anjan Bista added more to the misery of Sunaulo as he scored a beautiful goal in the 31st minute by taking the ball of Sunaulo’s players and dribbled past the defenders to make it 2-0.
Three Star into Madan Bhandari Gold Cup final
That was not all for Manang as the visiting team kept most of the possession in the second half as well. Shrestha scored his brace in the 58th minute, while Bista also got his second goal of the match in the 66th minute to make the score 4-0 as he put the ball into the back of the net from near the goalpost when he hit the rebound after Sunaulo’s keeper Shreejan Shrestha could not clear the ball.
Manang’s Shrestha scored his hat-trick in the 89th minute.
Most of the Sunaulo players are the products of Butwal’s ANFA Academy. Sunaulo got some chances in the first half, but they were denied by Manang keeper. But, they looked hopeless in front of the experienced players of Manang in the second half.
Sunaulo had reached the semifinal after defeating the departmental team Armed Police Force.
Manang’s Shrestha was rewarded the man-of-the-match and got Rs 10,000 for his contribution.
Manang will now take on the winner of the second semifinals Ruslan Three Star Club and Madan Bhandari Sports Academy which will be played on Sunday.
