Three Star shoot MFC out, enter semis

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Feb. 10: Three Star Club entered the semi-final stage of the 24th Aaha Rara Pokhara Gold Cup defeating Machhindra FC (MFC) in penalties at the second quarter-final game of the tournament in Pokhara Stadium on Sunday.

Three Star and Machhindra, two A Division clubs of Nepal, played a goalless draw throughout the 90 minutes and 30+ extra time following which the duo got ready for penalties.

Both teams had several chances to have the goal tally ticking, but none could capitalise. 

Sarin GC, substitute goalkeeper for Three Star, was the hero of the game as he saved the fourth penalty of Machhindra and won the game without the fifth player having to shoot for either side. 

GC was substituted in place of Abishek Baral by coach Ganesh Khadka with less than five minutes left for the final whistle. Khadka fielded GC for penalties and saved the fourth penalty of Aditya Shakya by diving to his left.

Dipesh Ghale stood up for the first penalty and scored to his left. Fode Fofana and Biraj Maharjan followed Ghalan and hit to their left and scored despite Machhindra’s goalie Bishal Shrestha judging correctly. 

On the other hand, Bishal Ghalan could not score when he hit the first penalty for Machhindra. Ghalan’s shot rebounded off the crossbar. 

Thus, when GC saved Shakya’s shot, Three Star won with the fourth goal by Laxman Ruchal, which was also towards the right of the goalie.

Three Star, the club to have won the Aaha Rara Gold Cup five times in the past 24 editions, will face the winner between Black Bulls FC of Uzbekistan and Thunderbolt North United of India slated for February 11.

Nepal Police Club is the other confirmed semi-finalist. They defeated Brigade Boys Club of the UK and will play, in the semis, the winner between Church Boys United vs Tribhuvan Army FC slated for February 10.