Chemjong heroics send Three Star through

Kiran Chemjong’s heroics saved Three Star after a major scare as the custodian saved three penalties and scored one, taking the league champions into the semi-finals of the Gurkha Cup following their 3-2 win in the penalties over Jawalakhel Youth Club at the Dashrath stadium on Sunday.

The match had to be resolved through the penalties after the regulation and additional time have witnessed the teams inseparable from a goalless stalemate, despite Three Star keeping their opponents under relentless pressure throughout.

Sabindra Shrestha, Chemjong and Zikahi Dodoz converted their spot-kicks for Three Star, while Bikram Lama’s shot was saved by Jawalakhel goalie Bikesh Kuthu and Adewumi Femi misfired wide from the target.

Likewise, Umesh Thapa and Sushil Shah scored their penalties, while Chemjong prevented the attempts of Raj Kumar Poudel, Noor Raj Kafle and Pradeep Maharjan.

Breathing a huge sigh of relief, Three Star coach Pradip Humagain attributed his team’s shallow performance to overconfidence that took its toll and complete defensive strategy of his opponents.

“Our performance was dull as we became overconfident and failed to break the deadlock,” said Humagain before adding “we could not establish a harmonious understanding among us as we played being a separate entity rather than being a team.”

Making a bright start, Three Star went swiftly into attack early with Bijay Gurung eagerly directing his volley off the target in the eighth minute from the point.

The match turned into a dull affair then after as Three Star, with dominant possession, failed to craft a telling move towards goal, while Jawalakhel were too reluctant to travel across their own half.

Sabindra Shrestha unleashed a powerful shot from the edge but saw it crashing against the woodwork in the 20th minute.

Three Star accelerated their pace of the game and resorted into full attack after the break.

Jagjeet Shrestha sent in a swirling free kick out from the 30-yard which deceived Kuthu but ended up being denied by the cross bar in the 75th minute.

Femi’s striving to direct Bikram Lama’s low shot towards goal with a tricky interception four minutes later was prevented by left pole.

The additional time was the photocopy of the second half with Three Star nearly crippling their opponents but failed to find the back of the net.

Labels: Sports