KATHMANDU, Jan 9: Goalkeeper Deep Karki inspires Mechi Netralaya Kakadvitta Training Center to knock out host team Sudur Paschim XI on the first day of the Sudur Paschim Khaptad Gold Cup 2019 in an opening match played at Dhangadhi Stadium on Tuesday.
In a stadium filled with a large number of supporters, Mechi Netralaya registered an upset defeating Sudur Paschim on sudden-death 7-6 after the full time and extra time finished on 0-0. Lawal Olakan scored the decisive final goal for the winning team after goalkeeper Karki displayed a heroic performance to keep Mechi Netralaya in match till then.
Karki brilliantly saved powerful shots, rebounds, and deflected shots throughout to keep Mechi Netralaya in the match against attacking and dominative home side Sudur Paschim.
Thakuri brace sends Sudur Paschim into its first final
Abdul Rehman, Narendra Chaudhary, Bijay Thakuri, Binod KC, Philim Tamanga and Chetan Kumar Tharu scored for Sudur Paschim in the sudden-death round as Bhusan Limbu, Ajit Gurung, Biswas Shrestha, Deep Karki, Nishan Limbu, Bikash Rai and Bishal Rai registered its name on score-sheet for the winning team Mechi Netralaya.
Player of the match Deep Karki received Rs 10,000 for his efforts in the match. The Mechi Netralaya coach Karna Thapa Magar raised his concerns over lack of practice for goalless start to the tournament.
“Our players lacked composure while trying to finish. But the credit goes to them for winning the match despite being in pressure throughout. We will do well in front of the post in the next match since we have three days to practice until our next match,” said Magar.
Sudur Paschim coach Rohit Bhandari blamed for bad luck for the loss. “The boys came from different teams after completing their respective A-Division league. Lack of combination and teamwork was visible.
Sometimes, you need that a hint of luck to win the match which we missed today [Tuesday],” claimed Bhandari.
The tournament was inaugurated by the Province 7 Chief Minister Trilochan Bhatta before the first match.
Mechi Netralaya will face Armed Police Force Club on Saturday whereas Nepal Police Club and Morang XI will compete against each other on Wednesday.
