Nepal’s Tribhuvan Army FC got the better of local side Rangdajied United FC 2-0 in their final Group F game of the 133rd Durand Cup 2024 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium here this evening.
The match was all about who would be left holding the group’s wooden spoon as both sides were already out of the running for a place in the quarterfinals. In the end it was Rangdajied who finished at the bottom with 0 points, disappointing but not surprising after they were drafted in as last minute replacements for Hyderabad FC who pulled out of the competition.
Both goals today were scored by the Tribhuvan Number 10 Gillespye Karki (21′, 56′) on either side of the two halves.
Rangdajied coach Aibanjop Shadap opted for wholesale changes from their previous derby game against Shillong Lajong FC. In came Kerichard L Marshillong, Freddy B Jyrwa, Roney Lamin Amdep, Wansiewdor Nengnong and Fedrick Wahlang in place of Banshanskhem Kharsyntiew, Apborlang Kurbah, Aenam Jyrwa, Denelson Pyngrope and Bansanbha Khongsdam.
The Nepal Army side were the more threatening from the initial stages itself and broke through soon with Gillespye’s first strike of the game. Basant Jimba it was who should have scored with his shot from close but Rangdajied keeper Kerichard brought off a save to deny him. The second ball was headed back into the box by Kamal Thapa and Karki dived full-stretch to swing a right-footed volley all along the ground and into the right corner.
After the half time break, the tempo remained the same with Tribhuvan dominating both attack and possession. Karki again broke through the Rangdajied defence in one of those attacks and was brought down by Kerichard, prompting the referee to point to the spot. The lanky Nepalese forward made no mistake with the penalty and placed it to his right corner with consummate ease.
The final fixture of the group comes up on Saturday between Lajong and FC Goa, which will determine the group toppers. SLFC currently lead on goal difference +3 to +2 and only need a draw to progress.
