Kathmandu, Nepal: Dominating from the outset, Machindra Football Club thrashed Nepal Police Club 4-0 to secure a commanding spot in the semifinals of the ongoing KP Oli Cup National Football Tournament. The convincing victory, tied at the ANFA Complex in Satdobato on Tuesday, further cements Machhindra’s status as a force to be reckoned with in the competition.

Chijoba Steals the Show with a Brace

The night belonged to Christopher Chijoba, who put in a masterclass performance. The forward found the net twice, the first coming in the fifth minute with a well-timed header from Sanish Shrestha’s pinpoint cross. He doubled his tally six minutes later, capitalizing on Shrestha’s delivery with a perfectly placed header.

Binong Adds His Name to the Scoreboard

Joining Chijoba in the goal-scoring party was Stephen Samir Binong. The midfielder rose to the occasion in the sixth minute, directing a header past the Police goalkeeper to extend Machhindra’s lead further and put the game beyond doubt.

Police Struggle to Find a Foothold

Despite trailing significantly, the Police squad struggled to create clear-cut opportunities throughout the encounter. Their woes were compounded in the 38th minute when captain Ramchandra Waji deflected a cross into his net, handing Machindra a comfortable 4-0 lead at halftime.

Reduced to Ten Men, Machindra Holds Firm

The second half remained scoreless, but Machindra faced a scare when defender Omolaja Nuren Karim received his marching orders for a second yellow card in the closing stages. Despite playing with a man down, the team maintained its defensive composure and sealed a well-deserved victory.

Looking Ahead: A Clash of Titans

With this win, Machhindra has set up a mouthwatering semifinal clash against Indian powerhouse Manebhanjyang FC. Manebhanjyang booked their spot in the last four with a convincing 3-1 win over Delhi FC, setting the stage for a thrilling encounter between two in-form teams.