NRT sail into quarters

SOURCE: REPUBLICA

POKHARA, Jan 29: With a brace from Jeevan Sinkeman, New Road Team (NRT) defeated Knight Chess Club, Jhapa 3-1 on Friday to sail into the quarterfinals of the Aaha Gold Cup Football Tournament being held at Pokhara Stadium.

Shyan Moshavi added another goal for NRT while the only goal for Knight Chess came as a gift from NRT as Jeevan scored an own goal. NRT will take on Sahara UK on Tuesday.

Dominating the match from the beginning, NRT took an early lead in the 10th minute. Jeevan Sinkeman scored from the box in a cross from Shyan Moshavi.

Shyan doubled the lead in the 30th minute in a pass of Saroj Dahal to pile up more pressure on the opponents.

Eight minutes later, Jeevan scored an own goal while trying to clear a shot of Sudeep Limbu of Knight Chess.

Jeevan scored the third goal for his team in the last minute. Jeevan was later adjudged man-of-the-match.

Knight Chess missed some good chances of scoring in the match. Rajkumar KC and Rajkumar Ghising squandered some good chances for Knight Chess.

Nepal Police Club will take on the hosts Sahara Club on Saturday in the first quarterfinal match of the tournament.

Despite the victory, NRT coach Diken Suwal pointed out the weaknesses in midfield and defense. "We felt pressure after conceding an own goal and our defenders and midfielders lack experience," Suwal said.

Knight Chess coach Basanta Shrestha said the team came under pressure after conceding an early goal. "The team played well but there was lack of coordination in timing," Shrestha said.