JYC beat Police to advance to semifinals

SOURCE: REPUBLICA

SHER BAHADUR KC

BUTWAL, Oct 28: Samsung Jawlakhel Youth Club (JYC) on Thursday marched into the semifinals of the 17th Tilottama Gold Cup Football Tournament under way in Butwal, defeating domestic league winners Nepal Police Club (NPC) 2-1.

JYC took an early lead in the 16th minute after Laxminarayan Shrestha´s shot hit the bar and got deflected into the net.

Jumanu Rai scored an equalizer for NPC in the 30th minute from the penalty spot. NPC were awarded a penalty after Karna Subba of JYC fouled an opponent in the box.

Bishal Rai scored another goal for JYC in the 73rd minute to ensure victory. Rai was later adjudged best player.

JYC´s goalkeeper Min Basnet´s heroics also paved the way for the team´s victory as he saved about half a dozen shots from NPC.

NPC coach Sandesh Shrestha said he was disheartened that referee Laba Khatri didn´t award them a penalty in the injury time for a foul committed by JYC players in the box. NPC team manager Hari Khadka said the team lost because the referee turned a blind eye to the foul by JYC.

NPC players created a scene after the match, accusing the referee of bias.

Bangladesh Club pulled out of Friday´s match against Himalayan Sherpa Club (HSC). HSC advanced to the semifinals and will face JYC on Sunday.