In the second match of the tournament, Army took an early lead in the tournament but could not hold it for long. Hari Bahadur Mahato scored from the left flank outside the box taking the advantage of inattentive NTSC custodian Ritesh Thapa in the eighth minute. Though Thapa caught the ball but it was already inside the goal line and the referee awarded it as a goal.
Police skipper and man-of-the-match Jumanu Rai leveled the scoring in the 17th minute through a header inside the box utilizing a long cross pass off Deepak Bhusal and Chetan Ghimire ensured the police´s victory in the 33rd minute. Ghimire, too, scored through a header utilizing a pass from Bhola Silwal set by skipper Rai. A minute later, Ghimire´s weak shot inside the box from a good position was foiled by Army goalie and skipper Bikash Malla.
Both of the teams made several attempts to score but could not succeed. In the 42nd minute, Santosh Nepali´s freekick shot for TAC from the edge of the box went slightly above the bar. In the 57th minute, Rai´s header off the corner kick of Bhola Silwal was taken by Army glovesman Malla.
Likewise, Malla made two other spectacular dives to deny police from scoring more goals during the last 20 minutes.
The four team tournament is being organized to collect fund for the treatment of ailing ex-national volleyball player Dinesh Baniya who needs kidney transplantation. The event is organized by Nepal National and International Players´ Association in association with the Nepal Sports Journalist Forum.
Saturday´s match (Final)
Nepal Police Club Vs Nabil Three Star Club
Dasharath Stadium, 3:30 p.m.
Related story
Police thrashes Three Star to reach final
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