DHARAMSHALA, June 6: The eight teams that have made it through to the quarter finals of the 21st Gyalyum Chenmo Memorial Gold Cup football tournament that has been going on among 28 teams from Nepal, US, Canada, Europe and India.
Pokhara Tashiling, the defending champions, Delhi FC, TDl Bylakuppee, Kollegal, Europe FC, Mundgod, Dhasa United and Guladhala will play the knock out games out of which four will enter the semis.
Jampaling Pokhara and BHU Varanasi drew their last league game by 1 goal each. Mungod faced Shimla FC who were already out of the race. Mundgod required at least 2 goals without conceding any. However, the young lads of Doeguling Tibetan Settlement Mundgod pressed hard to score but managed to score the opening goal only after their coach cum captain popularly known as Afri entered as substitute. Afri scored the opening goal fro their 11 minutes before half time.
After half time, Mundgod scored 4 more goals and took the tally to 5. Goa FC, who are in the same pool as Mundgod were shown the exit as their goal difference stood at 6 to Mundgod 9.
Many football lovers regret that the format of the tournament has failed many good teams saying the format of the tournament does not give the teams enough opportunity to prove themselves. “The four teams in one pool need to face each other at least once if you want to be fair. You can not just chalk out an easy solution and leave the results more on luck and less on football,” said a Tibetan player who did not want to be named.
Goa FC, Kerala, Kathmandu FC, Bir United and Gangtok are the teams who had to bear the brunt of the format which is increasingly being criticised by the teams, supporters and the general public. “This kills the beautiful game. We understand that there are 28 teams and only ten days but maybe they could have allowed lesser number of teams,” said Tenzin Choepak, a Tibetan college student.
“You come here after working so hard and spending so much money and time. You get to play two games, and you win both the games and yet you go out of the tournament. This is hard to digest and honestly heartbreaking for the teams and players who despite their excellent performance are denied a spot in the next round just because of the format,” said Lobsang Choephel, a Tibetan monk of Sera monastery.
Pokhara Tashiling will play in the first quarter final against Delhi FC. TDl Bylakupee will play against Kollegal FC. On Monday, Mungod will play against Europe and Dhasa United will play against Guladhala.
