Kathmandu, April 16

A twin goal from Bishal Rai ‘A’ helped Makshindra Football Club (MFC) stun Ranipokhari Corner Team (RCT) 2-1 to set up the quarterfinal match with Manang Marsyangdi Club in the British Gurkha Football Tournament on Monday at Dasarath Stadium.

Bishal dashed the hope of Ranipokhari scoring in the three minutes and 85th minutes of the match. Makshindra took the lead in the third minutes as Rai, who was unmarked at the box, tactfully slotted the ball into the post.

Though Makshindra dominated the firs half, they could not double their lead. In the 15th and 16th minutes, Dipak Rai squandered two golden chances to net the goal in the one-to-one situation with Ranipokhari shot-stopper Prem Tamang. Rai, in the 26th minutes got another easy opportunity to score when he was face to face with goalie Tamang but he too failed to convert the goal.

In the 18th minutes, Ranipokhari too had the chance to level the score but Yugal Kishor Rai’s brilliant shot was easily saved by Makshindra custodian Dinesh Magar.

But Yugal Kishor was not disappointed with his effort in the 19th minutes of the second half. Unmarked Yugal caught Makshindra defense napping as he equalized the score 1-1.

But RCT were shocked as Rai scored his second goal utilizing the cross off Dipak just five minutes before the final whistle blew. Rai was adjudged man of the match for leading Makshindra to the quarterfinal.