DAMAK, Feb 20: A-Division League winner Machhindra Club has advanced to the semifinals of the ongoing third Satashi Gold Cup with a 2-1 win over Gorkha Boys Sporting Club in Damak on Wednesday. 

In the last semifinal clash, Machhindra started the tournament on a good note with good attacking display and beat Gorkha. 

After the win, it will now take on A-Division League runner-up Tribhuvan Army Club, and the departmental team will now have a chance to take revenge for its title deciding 1-0 loss against Machhindra. 

Gorkha Boys took the first lead in the game, but could not hold on to its lead and lost the game.

Kazeem gave Gorkha Boys the lead in the 16th minute converting in a pass from Olekeji. 

But, continuing its form, Machhindra equalized in the game nine minutes later as Ranjit Dhimal’s corner was headed by Andres Nia. 

Machhindra then made a first half comeback and took the lead in the game. Gorkha’s Saroj Yonjan was judged to have controlled the ball with his hand, and Bimal Gharti Magar converted the spotkick to give the team the lead. 

Both the teams threw good chances in the game and failed to score. 

Bishal Rai ‘A’ got a chance in the early minutes of the first half, but his weak effort did not cause further problem for the Gorkha keeper Sojit Gurung. Machhindra captain Biraj Maharjan got a chance in the 21st minute, but his shot from outside the box was saved. 

Gorkha’s Olekeji hit a shot three minutes later, but the ball went just an inch wide of the target, while Kazeem’s shot in the 39th minute went over the bar. 

Machhindra got a chance in the 76th minute to double its score, but Adelaja Somide’s header was brilliantly saved by the keeper. 

Scorer Magar was named the man of the match and was rewarded with a cash prize of Rs 10,000. 

The first semifinal match between the host Satashidham Sporting Club of Jhapa, who beat Manang Marshyangdi Club to reach the last four, will face Three Star Club, who saw off Belbari Football Club of Morang.

 
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