A brace from Diolo Rahim Cozy helped Machhindra defeat Indian club Gurkha United, Dehradun 3-2 in the first round match played at the Pokhara Stadium. [break]
Machhindra took the lead with Karna Limbu´s goal in a pass from Bishal Rai in the 45th minute. Gurkha United´s Balwinder scored an equalizer in the 47th minute while Goswami added an advantage five minutes later.
Diolo´s shot from the center got converted into a goal in the 69th minute. He sealed the match with another goal in Karna´s pass in the 75th minute.
Gurkha United were in constant pressure from Machhindra since the beginning of the match but felt some relief after their second goal. But their joy was short-lived as Diolo played an instrumental role in their defeat.
Both the teams failed to score while they had lots of good opportunities. Gurkha United´s goalkeeper Bikram Gurung foiled many attempts of Machhindra. Karna Limbu was declared the man-of-the-match.
Narottam Shakya, coach of the winning team Machhindra, said the team´s midfield was weak during the match. “We missed lots of opportunities to score because of weak midfield,” he said.
The winners will face Nepal Army on Sunday. Nepal Army were the runners-up of the last edition of the tournament. Shakya said his team will play offensive against the Army.
Meanwhile Gurkha United´s team manager Sameer Gurung attributed their defeat to inexperienced players. “We lost because we couldn´t bring our best players who are playing in the All India Football Tournament at present,” he said, and added, “We had to bring school level players.” He however praised the goalkeeper.
Thursday´s match will be between Manang Marshyangdi Club and Armed Police, which is likely to pull a massive crowd as both the teams are popular.
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