KATHMANDU, Sept 29: Bauddha FC stormed into the quarterfinal maintaining its unbeaten run after a 2-0 win over Saraswati Club on Saturday in its last group round match of the Ncell Cup Football Championship underway at the Dasharath Stadium, Kathmandu.
Subin Shrestha and Suman Lama scored in either half for Bauddha that played with 10-man for the whole of second half after Adarsh Shahi was given the marching order during the injury time of first half. Referee Laba Shrestha flashed second yellow card after he tackled Ramesh Ghising.
Meanwhile, Bauddha´s victory turned out to be a wonderful gift for the national champion Nepal Police Club which also secured a place for knockout stage from the group D with a match in hand. The win was equally significant for Bauddha which made it to the quarterfinal of top tire competition for the first time.
The win puts Bauddha at the top of table with seven points while Police is second with four points. Saraswati crashed out with three points and Samsung Jawalakhel Youth Club hits the bottom of the table without earning a point. Police will lock horns against Jawalakhel in last match of group round which will determine the group winner.
Bauddha coach Kiran Shrestha termed the achievement as the best period for the club in football. "The motivation from management and supporters has encouraged the team to achieve the feat," Shrestha said.
On Saturday, the young guns of Bauddha backed by noisy supporters came up with spirited show and created as many as half a dozen chances. Despite playing with a man down, there was no effect on Bauddha team which piled immense pressure until the end.
Subin Shreshta put Bauddha ahead in the 25th minute with a low strike from area in a pass of Suman Lama. Bauddha missed two other chances in the second half.
Suman Lama doubled the advantage in the second half when he unleashed a powerful strike from 20-yard to send the ball past diving goalie Ashok Baral.
Bauddha also missed a couple of chances during the later stage of the match. Bauddha was unlucky not to score a third goal when Som Bahadur Thapa´s attempt from the close range came back from the goalline in an unattended post following an uneven bounce.
"The one and half months training in Pokhara and sound football sense of players have contributed to the result," shared Shrestha whose side is studded with players whose average age is 20. "We hope to reach greater heights with the backing of supporters and spirited players."
Saraswati coach Pradip Nepal said his side failed to score following pressure to win the match. He also revealed plans of recruiting players in the league.
Three Star Club will lock horns against Armed Police Force (APF) on Sunday.
Group D Points Table
Team P W D L GF GA Pts
Bauddha 3 2 1 0 4 1 7
Police 2 1 1 0 6 3 4
Saraswati 3 1 0 2 3 8 3
Jawalakhel 2 0 0 2 0 2 0
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