African player Dodoz, who played for Friends Club in the A division league, scored the all important goal for HKNF five minutes before the end of additional 15-minute time. The match was taken to extra time following a goalless draw in the regulation time. [break]
Dodoz scored a spectacular one-touch strike from the danger zone in an acute pass from the winger of Friends Club Jagjeet Shrestha, who was declared the best midfielder of the A division league. Dodoz was declared the man-of-the-match and received Rs 5,000 for the feat.
HKNF, captained by national skipper and Friends captain Sagar Thapa, will now play the final against the Army on Saturday. Army had defeated host Dharan FC during the extra time in the first semifinal played on Wednesday.
The four time champion and defending champion Three Star without its key players -- forward Santosh Sahukhala and defender Biraj Maharjan -- failed to live up to expectations.
"The hot weather of Dharan and defensive error turned a setback for the team," said Three Star coach Pradip Humagain adding that the performance was also hampered by absence of Sahukhala, Maharjan and a foreign player.
In the 19th minute, HKNF skipper Thapa cleared Bijay Dhimal´s header from the goalline in Bishnu Sunuwar freekick and custodian Bikesh Kutu prevented Adewumi Femi in rebound. In the injury time of first half Sandeep Rai fired inches off the target.
Three Star custodian Kiran Chemjong denied Rupesh KC´s strike in the eighth minute. Jagjeet Shrestha and Dodoz fired high above the bar for HKFC in the 18th and 31st minutes.
HKNF coach Narad Rai expressed satisfaction towards his side´s performance. "We played better than the last match and the presence of national skipper also made a big difference, said Rai.
Meanwhile, the organizer Dharan Football Club received cash support of Rs 75,000. Gopal Siwakoti gave away Rs 50,000 and Dharan-Dubai Helping Hands gave Rs 25,000 to the organizer.
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