Sunil Chhetri Scores As India Win Last Tour Match In Spain

7 August 2009 - Sunil Chhetri made his first start of the Barcelona tour, as Bob Houghton made just one change to the eleven that started in all of the previous three games, with young Sushil Kumar Singh missing out.

India won a penalty in their first meaningful attack of the match when skipper Bhaichung Bhutia was brought down inside the box. Sunil Chhetri stepped up and coolly converted the spot kick to give his side the lead.

Santboia nearly equalised immediately but India survived thanks to some last-ditch defending. A few minutes later, midfielder Anthony Pereira was clean through on goal, but the Dempo player couldn’t find the target.In-form goalkeeper Subrata Pal was called into action many times in the final stages of the first half, and the Pune FC custodian responded with some fine saves to make sure that India went into the half-time break with that one goal lead.

The early periods of the first half didn’t produce too much goalmouth action and coach Hougton soon decided to change things around by bringing on Sushil Kumar Singh in place of Chhetri, who had just returned from injury. Neither team could create any clear-cut chances but India did go close from set pieces. Winger Steven Dias also had a good opportunity from close range but the Mumbai man couldn’t convert.

In the end, India held on for a well-deserved 1-0 win and made sure that they remained unbeaten in the Barcelona tour with two wins and two draws.

India Lineup:Subrata Pal, Surkumar Singh, Anwar, Gouramangi Singh, N.S.Manju, Steven Dias, Climax Lawrence, N.P.Pradeep, Anthony Pereira, Sunil Chhetri (Sushil Kumar Singh 58’), Bhaichung Bhutia


Source:- Goal.com

India Replace Thailand With Palestine In Nehru Cup

7 August 2009 - Peter Reid’s Thailand were one of the star attractions of the upcoming Nehru Cup, but the All India Football Federation (AIFF) has decided to replace them with Palestine after ‘The Elephants’ decided not to send their senior team.

It was revealed to Goal.com that the Indian FA had asked all the participating nations to send their senior sides, and only then would their involvement be confirmed. Thereafter, the five nations, apart from India, were named by the AIFF for the Nehru Cup. As the Thais wanted to send a junior team, the governing body decided to look elsewhere.

In the past few days, the AIFF has been busy speaking to a few national federations in order to get them to participate in the tournament, with the confirmation coming from Palestine, who are placed 177th in the latest FIFA rankings. Only two teams are ranked above India in the tournament, namely last edition’s finalists Syria (95) and Lebanon (148), who defeated India in the 2010 World Cup qualifiers.

Source:- Goal.com

Confusion Over 2009-10 I-League Schedule

4 August - According to the All India Football Federation's (AIFF) calendar for the current year, the I-League is set to start in September and come to a close by the end of March.

However, with the schedule not yet released, it appears that this won’t be possible given that the matches are to be played only on weekends, with the state or district league games occupying the midweek slot.

In November, there are camps for the senior national team and the Olympic side, followed by the SAFF Cup in December. The last month of the year shall also see the finals rounds of Federation Cup, which means that the league will have a winter break.

With 14 teams in the upcoming I-League, a lot of travelling is involved, and therefore meticulous planning of the same is a must. Coaches from several clubs complained that since they don’t have the schedule in hand, it’s getting a little difficult for them to plan for the season.

Meanwhile, several state associations have written to the AIFF to explain that their venues, which are to host the I-League games, won’t be available for a certain period of time due to various reasons.

However, the AIFF have a different story to tell, as they have intimated the clubs and various state associations of the difficult situation and have asked for their suggestions.

On being asked as to how the governing body would deal with the situation, AIFF general secretary Alberto Colaco said, "We had written to the participating clubs at least three months back. We sent a reminder with a copy to the concerned state associations over a month back.

"The following clubs confirmed the availability of their home venue within the stipulated time: Mahindra United, Mumbai FC and Air India (Cooperage Ground); Shillong Lajong FC; JCT (Ludhiana).

“The Clubs from Goa referred the matter to the owners of the stadium. Pune FC informed that they would play their matches at Balewadi stadium but confirmation from ground owners has not been received. Same with Viva Kerala, who have intimated that their home matches will be at Calicut. There has not been any reply from Mohun Bagan, East Bengal and Chirag United.

“During the last ten days we received letters from Indian Football Association, which is the state footballing body for West Bengal, informing that Police would not allow matches to be played at Barasat and Salt Lake Stadium for a considerable number of days during September and October 2009.

“Goa Football Association (GFA) forwarded a letter from the stadium manager that the ground was under repairs and they would be able to inform about the ground condition only after the 15th of October. The stadium is also booked for a schools games event until the 2nd of November.

“We have sent a letter to the clubs and the concerned state associations inviting their comments regarding difficult position. In fact the schedule is ready but now we have to take into consideration all the above."

Source:- Goal.com

India Draw CE Europa In Third Game Of Spanish Tour

2 August 2009 - India failed to win the third practice game of their Barcelona tour as they were held to a 1-1 draw by third-division outfit CE Europa on Saturday evening.

Skipper Bhaichung Bhutia gave the 2008 AFC Challenge Cup champions the lead but the hosts equalised through a second-half penalty.

For the third successive game Bob Houghton named the same starting eleven, but the most significant team news was the return of striker Sunil Chhetri, who was named among the substitutes.

India made a shaky start and nearly conceded in the early stages but, goalkeeper Subrata Pal’s heroics preserved their clean sheet.

Minutes later, captain Bhaichung had a decent chance but the 'Sikkimese Sniper' couldn’t convert.

The Bhangra Boys soon settled in the match and took the lead just after the half-hour mark when Bhutia made the most of a long clearance and found the back of the net.

Houghton’s men controlled the game for the rest of the half and went into the break with that one-goal advantage.

Chhetri came on at the start of the second half to make his first appearance of the tour, replacing young Sushil Kumar Singh.

The Chhetri-Bhutia combination were not getting the best service from the midfield, but India were doing well at the back and limited the opposition to very few chances.

With 20 minutes remaining, Houghton brought on veteran Renedy Singh and last match’s hero Abhishek Yadav in place of Steven Dias and Bhutia respectively.

A couple of minutes later, Surkumar Singh gave away a penalty which was converted by the Spanish team to make it 1-1.

India created good chances to win the game but the new pairing of Yadav and Chhetri couldn’t convert any of them.

CE Europa might have won the game late but, like their opponents, were wasteful in front of goal, and quite often goalkeeper Pal came to India’s rescue.

India Lineup: Subrata Pal, Surkumar Singh, Anwar, Gouramangi Singh, N.S.Manju, Steven Dias (Renedy Singh 70’), Climax Lawrence, N.P.Pradeep, Anthony Pereira, Sushil Kumar Singh (Sunil Chhetri 46’), Bhaichung Bhutia (Abhishek Yadav 70’)

Source:- Goal.com

National Women Football Championship 2009: Punjab, Diya, Rising Star enter last eight

Lahore, 3 Aug : Holders Young Rising Star Women Football Club, Karachi’s Diya Club, 2005 Champion Punjab joined Iranian Club, Balochistan United, Lahore’s Sports Sciences Department of Punjab University, Pakistan WAPDA and Higher Education Commission to complete the quarter-final line-up of fifth National Women Football Championship at Islamabad’s Jinnah Stadium last night.

Marium Laghari and Hajra Khan, leading scorer of 2008 show, pocketed hat-trick in 7-0 win over debutant Pakistan Army in Group-D match at Jinnah Stadium. Marium broke the ice in the 76th second s and added two more in the 18th and 45th minute to become second hat-trick maker of competition after Fereshteh Karimi of Malavan Bandar Anzali Club, Iran. Hajra was the third in line when she also netted thrice in the 24th, 27th and 56th minute. Zoya was other scorer for Diya against Army whose keeper Sultana had no answer to Diya’s dangerous offesive movements time and again.

Another one-way traffic was emerged at same venue when in Group-B, Young Rising Star outclassed Balochistan 9-0 to top the Group. Four players of Rawalpindi-based winners hit the back of the net twice namely Malaika Noor 4,68, Aisha Jamal 13,35, Zara Kiani 17,63 and Sehr Zaman 32,54. Asmara Habib was other scorer in the 23rd minute.

Punjab, having players mostly from Burewala, edged out Azad Jammu & Kashmir 2-0 to book passage into elimination Phase from Group-D. They scored once in each session. Striker Tahira stopped goal draught in the 32nd minute while defender Somayya consolidated the lead in the 42nd minute. It could have been more but AJK keeper Amna blocked other efforts.

Tuesday (4 Aug) Fixture :

NWFP v Iranian team (8 PM), Sindh v Islamabad (Field No.2 near Hamidi Hall 6.30 PM), HEC v Sports Sciences (6 PM)

Source:- footballpakistan.com

Liverpool Are Better Than People Think

23 Oct 2009 - Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez thinks his side are still well capable of beating Manchester United on Sunday and ending their catastrophic run of four consecutive defeats.

The Reds can reduce the gap between themselves and United to four points should they win on Sunday, and Benitez was focusing firmly on the positives ahead of Sunday's game.

"I am sure our squad is much better than people think. If you have three, four or five players who normally start out injured, then you can't talk about the squad not being strong enough," the Spaniard told his pre-match press conference.

"I am sure if you take four or five players from United, Chelsea or Arsenal, it would be very difficult for them to win some games.

"Beating United last season is something positive we can use. Without Gerrard and Torres, the team was really good and the fans enjoyed the day - especially because we were without two very important players.

"So, if we have to do the same in this situation now, we can do it.

"It's the best way - but it's not the only one. We think we can win and we'll talk about four points at the next press conference."

Benitez also claimed to be coping well with the intense pressure and scrutiny under which his own situation has come in recent days.

He added: "I am really relaxed in terms of my position because I know how we are working on the pitch every day. In the past we were doing really good things and we haven't changed too much.

"It's a question of confidence. We know we have to improve but it's about winning the first game now.

"As a manager you know you will have good moments and bad moments. At this moment we know we have to improve, we have to win and it's a question of time - I'm sure once we win the first game everything will change.

"This game against United could be the right opportunity for us because it's a massive game against our rivals and the fans will be behind the team from the first minute until the last. We can change everything.

"We just need to keep working hard and perhaps need a bit of luck on the pitch. The other day against Lyon we were winning 1-0 and then had two or three chances but couldn't score the second goal. Then we lost in the last minute.

"Sometimes you need to play a little bit better, that's clear - but you also need to keep working hard and [get] that little bit of luck."

New Radiant 1 - 4 AYL: Santosh scored twice

15 August 2009 - Male’, MALDIVES – Two second half goals from Santosh and one goal each from Mohamed Fasir and Latheef gave All Youth Linkage (AYL) a vital three points against New Radiant today. New Radiant didn’t concede a goal in two games and scored ten without reply this round will take the result as a huge blow.

AYL broke the deadlock as early as the first minute of the game when Latheef’s perfect free kick found way beyond keeper Sadun, who slipped in the process of saving the ball.

With a goal down, New Radiant failed to increase the tempo and resulted in going two goals down with just a quarter of an hour on the clock. In the 15th minute Mohamed Fasir met Muslim’s cross, which went over keeper Sadun and headed into the goal to double their lead.

In the 21st minute AYL went close again. This time Ali Fasir beat Nasir and sent the ball beyond Sadun but missed it by inches.

Two minutes later New Radiant created their first attempt. This time Samuel controlled the ball from close range but shot it over the bar.

In the 26th minute Moosa made shot but went wide off the target. Two minutes later Samuel saw his shot being saved by keeper Faisal.

New Radiant cut the deficit in the 31st minute through Samuel. He received the ball just inside the six yard box and shot at once to score their first.

New Radiant was opted for a very attacking game in the second half and kept the pressure on the opponents. However the red signal hit them in the 78th minute when substitute Santosh scored AYL’s third goal. Latheef provided the ball from a free kick and Santosh made no mistake with his header.

During the extra period of the game Santosh once again executed a good header through Fasir’s cross and the ball hit the cross bar before hitting the back of the net.

Source:- maldivesoccer.com

AYL 1 - 1 Maziya: Late stunning equaliser
6 August 2009 - Male', MALDIVES - A late stunning equalizer from Mohamed Fasir gave a vital point for All Youth Linkage in tonight’s Wataniya Dhivehi League 3rd round match against, Maziya.

The match was fast passed with entertaining football from both sides. Each side got numerous chances to score, but failed to convert those into goals. The first opportunity went for Maziya. In the 7th minute, Channa managed to beat the AYL goal keeper, Faisal, but failed to convert it into the goal.

However, Rasheed did not miss his opportunity from the ball given by Thasneem in the 15th minute to give lead to Maziya.Ali Fasir got the best opportunity for AYL in the first half. His fast paced shot, outside the penalty area missed a few inches from the target.Four minutes later, Santosh made an effort on the goal.

But it went straight into the keeper without any pace in the ball. It was an easy catch for the keeper. In the early minutes of second half, Maziya kept the pressure on AYL side. Rasheed managed to head the ball supplied by Nimal. But it was saved marvelously by keeper Faisal.In the 78th minute, Jumanu Rai managed to score from the cross by Mohamed Fasir.

But the assistant referee, Saleem showed it as an offside.AYL managed to equalize from the stunning backward bicycle kick by Mohamed Fasir. His shot was deflected by the cross bar and went straight in to the goal. Four minutes later, AYL got a marvelous opportunity to take the lead. Jumanu Rai was left all alone inside the penalty area when Mohamed Fasir crossed the ball inside the penalty area. But his shot went over the cross bar.

Source:- maldivesoccer.com

Victory 3 – 0 AYL: First half drama

31 July 2009, Male’, MALDIVES – Three first half goals from Assad Ali (2 goals) and Daniel put Victory on the top of eight team league table with 27 points but a game less than VB sports who are now in the second with 25 points.

AYL dominated early minutes of the game but failed to maintain the tempo and found themselves behind in the 12th minute when Assad Ali (Adey) scored for the reds. Ibrahim Fazeel (Oppo) passed the ball to Adey and then he fired the ball beyond keeper Faisal to break the deadlock.

Before that, AYL found some goal scoring chances. In the third minute Mohamed Fasir saw his shot cleared on the line by Ibrahim Abdullah.

Three minutes later Jumanu missed a good pass from country mate Santosh and in the 7th minute Santosh saw his powerful header went over the bar.

Adey doubled the lead for Victory in the 17th minute after beating his marker Adam Rasheed.

In the 27th minute Victory could have score again after Adey grabbed a back pass by Adam Rasheed but his shot went inches wide.

In the 35th minute Fuhaid beat three defenders and crossed the ball but Fasir slipped and Sobah easily cleared the ball.

Before the break Daniel marked his name on the score sheet when he received Adey’s pass and alone unmarked in the area he shot the ball to the goal.

No much threat from either side was seen in the second period of the game.

In the 64th minute Jumanu Rai beat his markers and passed the ball to Muhaimin, who shot the ball wide off the target.

Six minutes later another shot from Muhaimin, this time a weaker one, forced no trouble to keeper Imran.

New Radiant will face Kalhaidhoo in tomorrow’s game.

Source:- maldivesoccer.com

Siddhartha and Peace Nepal entered semis of Group B

June 14 - Siddhartha Children Academy and Peace Nepal Academy entered the Group B semi-finals of the Coca Cola Nationwide Inter-school Football Tournament qualifiers here at the ANFA Complex on Saturday. Siddhartha defeated Malpi International School 1-0 on a solitary goal from Sonam Lama in the 33rd minute. In the other match, Peace Nepal Academy thrashed Mother Land Academy 6-1. Suman Lama scored five and Abhisekh Bhandari netted one for the winners. Abhisekh Thapa scored the consolation goal for Mother Land.

In Group C matches, Little Moon School and Durbar High School won their first round matches. Little Moon overwhelmed Golden Sungava School 8-0. Phurba Lama struck four goals, while Inkesh Lama netted two, Sujal Pradhan and Prabin Dhital scored one goal each. Durbar High School defeated Tika Vidhyashram 3-1. Suman Thapa, Lal Bahadur Tamang and Umesh Thapa scored for Durbar High School, while Rajesh Tamang netted the consolation goal for Tika.

At FIFA Technical School, Joseph Public School and Shangri-La Public School registered wins. Joseph School defeated Little Glowsome School 3-1. Santosh Tamang, Dhruba Dotel and Bijay Subba scored one each for the winners, while Bibek Shrestha netted the consolation goal for Little Glowsome. In the other match, Shangri-La outplayed Manamaiju Secondary School 5-0. Amul Karki and Ram Ghalan scored two goals each, while Kushan Shrestha netted one for the winners.

Vanasthali tops Group A

Siddhartha Vanasthali defeated Amar Secondary English School 3-2 in tie breaker after a goalless draw to become the Group A champions at the Coca Cola Nationwide Inter-school Football Tournament qualifiers here on Thursday.

At ANFA Complex, Kumar Tamang, Sujan Khatri and Karma SN Lama converted their spot kicks, while Sagar Shrestha and Ashish Shrestha scored for Amar. Siddhartha Vanasthali will play Group B winners in Super League.

In other matches, Siddhartha Children Academy, Malpi International School, Peace Nepal Academy and Mother Land Academy registered wins.

Siddhartha Children Academy beat Wits Academy 5-2. Rohit Deula of Siddhartha Children opened the scoring in the 10th minute before Saugat Singh doubled the tally two minutes later. Rajesh Gyawali struck twice in 53rd and 57th minute to make it 4-0 and Anjan Khatri scored in the 63rd minute for the winners. Amik Pakhrin scored both the goals for Wits in the 58th and 78th minutes.

Malpi International School defeated Nishith Home Academy 3-0. Ronal Serchan put Malpi ahead in the second minute, while Rukshal Bohara made it 2-0 seven minutes later and Dawang Lama scored the team’s third goal in the 29th minute.

Peace Nepal Academy thrashed Narayan Academy 12-0. Yogesj Dahal slammed five goals, while Pemba Lama struck four and Suma Lama scored a hat-trick. In the last match, Mother Land Academy outplayed Kumari Sishu Sadan 5-2. Suraj Chaudhary scored a hat-trick, while Ashish Bastakoti struck two for the winners. Dorje Sherpa scored both the goals for Kumari Sishu Sadan.

At the FIFA Technical Centre in Chyasal, Nepal Rastriya HS School and Mansingh Dharma School won their matches.

In the first match, Nepal Rastriya School outplayed Anupam Vidhya Sadan 4-0. Sita Ram Ale struck twice, while Rabin Simkhada and Pankaj Moktan netted one each. In the other match, Mansingh Dharma overwhelmed Bajrabarahi HS School 7-2.

National Model Science School enters semis

June 10 - National Model Science School beat Richmond Academy 3-0 and entered the Group F semi-finals of the Coca Cola Cup Nationwide Inter-school Football Tournament Central Region qualifiers here at the FIFA Technical Centre on Wednesday. Sachin Pariyar put National Model Science School ahead in the 47th minute and Sajan Shahi doubled the tally one minute later. Sachin put the issue beyond doubt scoring his second goal in the 61st minute. National Model Science School will now face Vidhya Arjan School in semi-finals.

Kopila English Secondary School defeated Mahendra Rastriya Secondary School 3-2. Jitesh Maharjan put Kopila ahead in the 35th and doubled the tally in the 51st before Sanjay Maharjan made it 3-0 in the 59th minute. Raj Kumar Chaudhary reduced the margin in the 60th minute and Surya Katuwal made it 3-2 in the 75th mniute.

At ANFA Complex, Nightingale thrashed AGES Gradd 15-0. Wangel Ghalan scored four goals, while Sushil Parajuli and Suresh Nagarkoti struck hat-trick each. Suraj Thapa, Manoj Thapa, Sulav Thapa, Neeraj Thapa, Kumar Siwakoti netted one goal each. In the other match, Mangal Deep outplayed Siddhartha Vidhyapeeth 6-1. Mingma Lama and Chhiring Thinley scored two goals each, while Raju Tamang and Sange Khadka netted one apiece for the winners. Suman Dhungel scored the consolation goal for Siddhartha Vidhyapeeth. Suman Acharya struck twice as RIBS beat Reliance 2-1. Sajan Basnet put reliance ahead in the 11th minute, while Acharya levelled the scores in the 37th and then netted the winner in the 70th minute.Also, Kailash Bodhi outplayed Manaslu Public 4-1. Saroj Lama and Sonam Lama scored two each for Kailash Bodhi, while Deepak Thapa netted the consolation goal for Manaslu.

Vanasthali and Amar School entered final of Group A

June 9 - Siddhartha Vanasthali Institute and Amar English School entered the Group A final of the Coca Cola Nationwide Inter-school Football Tournament qualifiers here today. Vanasthali beat St Xavier’s (Godavari) 3-1 and Amar defeated Guheshwori 3-0. Kumar Lama of Vanasthali opened the scoring in the seventh minute and Krishna Poudel doubled the lead in the 29th. Harshan Rana made it 3-0 in the 51st, while Chhoigen Lama pulled one back for St Xavier’s in the 75th.
Sri Krishna Shrestha put Amar ahead in the 13th, while Suraj Shrestha doubled the tally in the 51st minute and Umesh Shrestha sealed the victory in the 80th minute.
In Group B matches, Malpi International School routed Namuna English School 5-0; Peace Nepal Academy beat Bal Byabasayi School 6-1; Kumari Sishu Sadan defeated Brighter Star School 2-1; and Motherland School beat Nandi School 4-1.

Wits Academy thrashed Vidhya Dayeni Boarding School 12-0

June 8 - Wits Academy thrashed Vidhya Dayeni Boarding School 12-0 in the Central Region qualifiers for the Coca-Cola Nationwide Inter-school Football Tournament on Monday. At the ANFA Complex, Gopal Lama struck a hat-trick, while Sanjeev Lama and Abik Pakhrin scored two goals each for the winners. Ramesh Lama, Nawaraj Giri, Prakash KC, Santosh Baskota and Jeevan Karki also joined the goal scoring spree. In the other match, Roshan Dhakal struck twice as Manaslu Public School defeated Bijay Memorial School 2-0. Dhakal put Manaslu ahead in the 43rd minute and doubled the tally in the 77th minute.Also, Kailash Bodhi School overwhelmed Cambridge English School 8-2. Suraj Lama and Nawaraj Rijal scored two goals apiece, while Subash Lama, Sonam Lama, Arjun Tamang and Purba Lama netted one each for Kailash. Srijan Bajracharya and Akash Ghale replied for Cambridge. Likewise, Nishith Home Academy outplayed Adarsha School 6-1 riding on a hat-trick from Arjun Shahi. Tej Tamang, Sajan Silwal and Sagar Bhandari also netted for Nishith. Mukesh Tamang replied for Adarsha.

At the FIFA Technical Centre, Richmond Academy defeated Deepika Sikhshya Sadan 4-0. Arun Adarsha Ghimire put Richmond ahead in the eighth minute, while Kushal Poudel doubled the lead in the 41st minute. Arun Kunuwar then scored in the 46th and 56th minutes to seal the victory. National Model Science School beat Shrong Chen Bhrikuti 5-4 in sudden death after a goalless draw in the normal time.

Birendra Sainik And Mangal School enters semis from Group F

June, 7 - Birendra Sainik Awasiya Mahavidyalaya (BSAM) and Mangal School advanced to the Group F semi-finals of the Coca Cola Cup Nationwide Inter-school Football Tournament qualifiers here on Sunday. At the FIFA Technical Centre in Chyasal, BSAM defeated Lali Gurans 4-0. Anup Subedi struck a hat-trick after Dinesh Sapkota had put them ahead. Also, Mangal School edged past Sampurna School 2-1. Sudan Karki and Ashish Maharjan scored for Mangal, while Lalit Rokka Magar netted for Sampurna. In other matches, Netra Chhetry scored the lone goal as Vidhya Arjan School beat National United School 1-0 and Lalit School defeated Bal Srijanalaya 4-3. Pratik Tamang scored a hat-trick and Sunil Jung Chhetry added another for Lalit School. Bikram Gurung, Raji Sherpa and Prem BK scored for Balsrijanalaya.

At the ANFA Complex, Nightingale defeated Patan School 2-0 on goals from Suraj Thapa and Manoj Thapa. In the other match, Sanjay Khadka scored six goals alone as Mangal Deep thrashed Indrawati Public School 7-0. Minmar Lama added another for Mangal Deep. In the third match, Siddhartha Vidyapeeth edged past The Stangle Boarding School 3-1. Sumit Khanal struck twice and Rakesh Tamang scored one for the winners, while Dikesh Jangam scored the consolation goal for Stangle. Reliance International Academy overwhelmed New Horizon 9-0. Nabin Khadka scored a hat-trick, while Udaya Bogati, Keshav Khanal, Avinash Gautam, Jeevan Khadgi, Suman Khatiwada and Sajan Basnet netted one each for the winners.

Amar English School, Guheshwori School and Siddhartha Vanasthali entered semis

June 6, Amar English School, Guheshwori School and Siddhartha Vanasthali Institute entered the semi-finals of the Central Region qualifier for the Coca Cola Nationwide Inter-school Football Tournament here at the ANFA Complex on Saturday. St Xavier's School (Godavari) have already advanced to the last four from Group A.

Amar School beat New Buddha Prakash School 1-0 on a solitary goal from Sagar Shrestha in the 70th minute. Also, Manish Karki scored the lone goal in the 76th minute as Guheshwori School defeated Shree Bal Bikash School 1-0. In the last match, Siddhartha Vanasthali outplayed Ekta Sadan School 5-0. Nitesh Shrestha put Siddhartha Vanasthali ahead in the 17th minute, while Roman Shrestha doubled the tally in the 40th minute to take a 2-0 lead in the first half. Krishna Poudel scored in the 64th minute, while Rakesh Lopsang and Harshan Rana netted one goal each in the 75th and 76th minutes to complete the rout.

At FIFA Technical Centre in Chyasal, Shrong Chen Bhrikuti School beat Juddhodaya High School 3-1 in tie breaker after a 3-3 draw. Nima Chhewang struck twice in 13th and 17th minutes and Dawa Sherpa netted one in the 56th minute for Bhrikuti. Bijay Gurung scored in 14th, Ram Pujari struck in the 28th and Rajesh Magar scored in the 69th minute for Juddhudaya. In tie breaker, Dawa Sherpa, Nima Chhewang and Kunga Tenzing converted their spot kicks for Bhrikuti, while Sandeep Adhikari scored the only goal for Juddhodaya.

In the other match, Sachin Pariyar struck four goals as National Model Science School beat Serene Valley School 5-0. Pariyar scored in the second, 33rd, 44th and 53rd minutes. Pramod Khatri netted a goal in the 65th minute.

Gandaki School wins Western Region Coca Cola Inter-School Football Tournament

Pokhara June, 6 - Gandaki School beat Shanti Nikunja School 2-1 in tie breaker after a 1-1 draw in the final of the Western Region qualifying Tournament for the Coca Cola Nationwide Inter-school Tournament here on Saturday.

Subash Thapa put Shanti Nikinja ahead in the 13th minute, while Gandaki's Karan Gurung levelled the scores in the 24th minute. On penalties, Karan Gurung and Ram Prasad Chapagain scored for Gandaki. Kumar Gurung converted the only spot kick for Shanti Nikunja.

The finalists have qualified for the final round to be held in Kathmandu. Defending champions Social School and third-placed Gyan Kunja will not be there in the final round after both the teams were knocked out of the qualifiers.

Gandaki and Shanti Nikunja School Qualified for the final round

June 5 - Gandaki Boarding School and Shanti Nikunja Boarding School qualified for the final round of the Coca Cola Nationwide Inter-school Football Tournament after they entered the final of the Western Region qualifiers here on Friday. In the first semi-final, Gandaki School defeated Fish Tail School 3-0. Karan Gurung scored in the 25th and 68th minutes, while Raju Sharma netted the other goal for the winners. In the other semi-final, Subash Thapa scored the winner as Shanti Nikunja came from behind to beat Nepal Adarsha 2-1. After a goalless 40-minute first half, Manoj Gurung put Nepal Adarsha ahead in the 44th minute, while Anuj Gurung levelled the scores five minutes later. Subash scored the winner in the 72nd minute.

At ANFA Complex, Satdobato, Guheshwori School thrashed Yuyutshu English School 12-0. Manish Karki scored seven goals, while Anam Ranjit and Bhim Bohara struck two each and Ashish Shrestha netted one for the winners. Srijan Manandhar scored a hat-trick as Bal Bikash School defeated Nepal Adarsha School 3-0. Manandhar scored in the 38th, 53 and 62nd minutes.

At FIFA Technical Centre, Chyasal, Sampurna School beat Pawan Prakriti School 4-1 in tie breaker after a 1-1 draw. Shiva Limbu put Sampurna ahead in the ninth minute before Dipendra of Pawan Prakriti scored the equaliser 10 minutes later. In tie breaker, Mani Ram Rai, Sanjay Pun, Sanjog Rai and Chhabi Lal Rokka scored for Sampurna. Rajan Rai and Anil Rokka converted their spot kicks for Pawan Prakriti.

Likewise, Mangal School outplayed Gyan Kunja School 4-0. Sadan Karki scored a hat-trick and Ashish Maharjan netted one. Karki put Mangal ahead in the 30th minute and doubled the score seven minutes later. Maharjan made it 3-0 in the 65th minute before Karki completed his hat-trick in the 74th minute.

St. Xavier's and Ekta Sadan wins

June 4 - St Xavier's School of Godavari rallied to a 2-1 win over Shree Siddheswor School of the Coca-Cola Nationwide Inter-school Football Tournament here at the ANFA Complex on Thursday. Jeet Tamang had put Shree Siddheswor ahead in the 17th minute but two goals in four minutes gave St Xavier the win. Nasib Saru leveled the scores in the 35th minute and Rojit Silwal struck the winner in the 38th minute.

In another match, Ekta Sadan crushed Martyrs' Memorial School 6-0. Binod Oli struck twice in the 21st and 71st. Raju Magar (13th), Manik Tamang (49th) and Sunil Dangol (57th) also scored a goal while Abhisek Karki conceded an own goal in the 68th minute.

At the FIFA Technical Centre in Chyasal, Birendra Sainik Awashiya Mahavidhyalaya (BSAM) humiliated Annal Jyoti 15-0. Roshan Rai struck four goals while teammates Anup Subedi Neeraj Pudasaini and Sunil Khadka also completed a hat-trick each for BSAM. Suresh Bodel and Dinesh Raj Sapkota also jointed party with a goal each.

In another in Chyasal, Laliguras School defeated Gurukul Public School 4-2. Binod Shahi and Manish Joshi scored a brace each for Laliguras while Nischal Gurung and Kumar Shrestha replied for Gurukul.

Huge win for Nepal Adarsa and Bal Bikash School

Lalitpur, June 2 - Nepal Adarsha High School and Bal Bikash School registered huge victories in the Central Region qualifiers of the Coca Cola Nationwide Inter-school Football Tournament here at the ANFA Complex today.

In the first match of the day, Nepal Adarsha beat Saurdeep Boarding School 8-0. Ishwor Karki struck twice in two minutes -- 16 and 17th minutes -- while Sudash Lama made it 3-0 in the 50th minute. Jitendra Tamang scored the team's fourth goal four minutes later and Ajay Dani struck in the next minute. Bikash Thapa made it 6-0 in the 65th minute, while Sagar Poudel scored three minutes later and Balram Khatri completed the rout in the 70th minute.

Sudip Rana Magar and Manoj Rana Magar scored two goals each as Bal Bikash outplayed Shining Star Boarding School 8-0. Suraj Lama opened the scoring in the 28th minute, while Sudip scored in the 42nd and 57th minutes. Manoj netted his two goals in the 45th and 47th minutes. Srijan Manandhar scored the team's fifth goal in the 59th minute before Sudip Lama struck in the 76th and Bidhata Lama netted two minute later.

At the FIFA Technical Centre in Chyasal, Vidhya Arjan High School beat National Academy 3-1. Praneshwor Jabati put Vishya Arjan in the 13th minute, while Kiran Thapa doubled the lead in the 30th and Nabin Thapa scored three minutes later for the winners. Om Prasad Rai pulled back a consolation goal for National Academy in the 37th minute. In the other match, Bal Srijan School edged past Basbari School 3-2. Ananda Nepal of Bansbari opened the scoring in the 12th minute, while Shekhar Sunuwar equalised in the 26th and also put Bal Srijan 2-1 ahed in the 60th minute. Naung Sherpa made it 3-1 in the 65th minute before Rikesh Thapa reduced the deficit three minutes from time.

Coca Cola Cup Inter School Football Tournament

Gyan Kunja School beat Manmohan Memorial School 4-3 in tie-breaker after a 1-1 draw at the Central Region qualifiers for the Coca Cola Nationwide Inter-school Football Tournament here at the FIFA Technical Centre, Chyasal, today. Sanjeev Basnet scored for Gyan Kunja and Sushil Maharjan equalised for Manmohan Memorial forcing the tie-breaker. On penalties, Amar Maharjan, Ashutosh Shrestha, Dibya Bijay and Ritesh Karki scored for Gyan Kunja. Samundra Singh, Shekhar Khadka and Ram Bhakta converted their spot kicks for Manmohan Memorial. In the other match, Mangal High School defeat Mangala Devi School 4-1. Sudan Karki struck twice, while Rajendra Maharjan and Niraj scored one each for Mangal. Anil Chapagain scored the consolation goal for Mangala Devi.

At ANFA Complex, Satdobato, St Xavier’s beat Kuleshwor Boarding Secondary School 4-2. Choigen Lama scored two goals for the winners, while Nasif Saru and Suren Tamang of Kuleshwor scored an own goal. For Kuleshwor, Rajeev Nakarmi and Raju Timalsina netted one goal each. In the other match, Jeet Tamang and Sujan Magar scored a brace each as Siddheshwor Lower Secondary School outplayed Suryodaya English School 4-2. Sijan KC and Ashish Khatri scored for Siddheshwor. Also, Siddhartha Vanasthali beat Mahendra Adarsha Vidyashram 3-0. Kabi Khadka scored two and Hasan Rana netted one goal for the winners. Likewise, Manish Karki scored five goals Guheshwori Secondary School thrashed Gyan Deep Sikshya Sadan 8-1. Romi Shrestha, Aman Ranjeet and Sandeep Thapa scored one each goal for Guheshwori. Dipesh Majhi scored a consolation goal for Gyan Deep.

At FIFA Technical Centre, Butwal, Para Mount Higher Secondary School and Deep Boarding School won their matches. Para Mount defeated Lumbini Boarding School 2-0 riding on goals from Sagar Khadka and Prem Thapa.In the other match, Deep outplayed Apex 5-0. Roshan Khanal scored two goals, while Anjan Malla, Dhiren Shrestha and Kushal Thapa netted one goal each for the winners.