DHARAN, Dec 23: Nepal Police Club and Central Region made winning starts in men’s football under the Seventh National Games that kicked off on Thursday. Police overcame Eastern Region 2-1 while Central Region registered 3-0 win over Western Region at the ANFA Technical Center, Dharan. 

In the group A match, Suman Lama and Buddha Lama netted one goal each for departmental team’s win over Eastern Region while Dipak Rai scored consolation for home team. Police went ahead in the game after Suman notched opening goal utilizing Bhola Silwal’s pass in the 19th minute. Buddha extended Police’s lead in the 31st minute. Eastern Region cut the goal deficit in the 69th minute after after Dipak netted through a freekick. 

In the second match of same group, goals from Nir Bahadur Ale, Rumesh Bartaula and Shyam Babu sealed Central Region’s comfortable win over Western Region. The presence of Nepali internationals including Anil Gurung, Heman Gurung and Bimal Gharti Magar could not help Western Region avert the defeat. 

After a goalless first half, Nir Bahadur broke the deadlock in the 64th minute for Central Region while Rumesh doubled the advantage in the 77th minute. Similarly, Shyam sealed the victory with third goal six minutes from time. 

On Friday, Armed Police Force (APF) and Mid-Western Region will battle in the group B match while Tribhuvan Army Club will face Far-Western Region in another match of same group.  

 
• dharan
 
• nepal police club
 
• central region
 
• seventh national games