JHAPA, May 9: Nir Kumar Rai’s solo goal helped the departmental team Nepal Police Club reach into the Damak Gold Cup football tournament final as it overcame fellow departmental team Armed Police Force 1-0 in the first semifinal match held in Damak, Jhapa on Tuesday.
Nir Kumar Rai headed past the Armed Police’s goalkeeper in the 38th minute, which decided the game as Armed Police failed to equalize in the regulation time. Nepal Police will play either Tribhuvan Army Club or Manang Marsyangdi Club, who will meet in the second semifinal match on Wednesday.
Displaying an aggressive football, Nepal Police dominated the game since the first whistle. Dinesh Rajbanshi headed a cross from Ajit Bhandari in the 12th minute, but it sailed over the crossbar. Likewise, Abhishek Rijal’s shot in the 21st minute failed to hit the target.
Nepal Police Club clinches Damak Gold Cup title
Armed Police, who failed to play to their fullest in the first half, showed some improved performance in the second half. Hari Karki’s shot was saved by Kiran Chemjong in the 67th minute. Similarly, Chemjong again made a save off Sudeep Shikhakar’s shot in the 73rd minute.
The only goal scorer of the match, Rai was adjudged man-of-the-match. He bagged a purse of Rs 11,000.
