United, studded with African players, will now meet Yeti Airlines Himalayan Sherpa Club in the quarterfinal to be played on Sunday. [break]
In Wednesday´s match, Asim Jung Karki had put Rupandehi in charge in the 55th minute. Karki scored in his second attempt as his shot in Krishna Lama´s corner kick rebounded off goalie Bashir Tahin.
United hit back the equalizer in the 73rd minute through Adeyemo Michael in a pass of Thomas Scott. Michael was later adjudged the man-of-the-match.
Nine minutes later United hit the match-winning goal through Scott, a 46th minute replacement for Alhassane Camara.
Rupandehi had numerous scoring chances but could not utilize them to turn the match in their favor. Rupandehi failed to convert free-kicks in the 10th, 12th and 32nd minutes. In the 10th minute goalkeeper Tahin made a difficult save to deny Santosh Ghale´s header.
United also squandered a few scoring opportunities. A powerful strike by Adeyemo Miachael went off the target. Similarly, Nsop Freddy also missed a scoring chance in the 45th minute.
Rupandehi´s coach Yam Gurung said his team was defeated as they failed to utilize scoring opportunities. "Though the boys put a lot of effort they could not match the fitness level of the opponents during the later stage of second half," Gurung said, adding, "They could not play to their potential after conceding the equalizer."
Rupandehi had come up with nearly half-a-dozen players from A division clubs targeting victory. NRT´s Asim Karki, APF´s Kovit Karki, Saurabh Magar and Krishna Lama and Friends´ Sagar Gurung were included in the Rupandehi squad.
United´s coach Osha lauded his team´s performance. "I´m happy that the boys put up an impressive show in the very first match on this pitch. Both the scorers are very effective. Though it´s difficult to play in a new ground, we succeeded in achieving victory," he said.
In the fourth edition, an African United team had won the title defeating Nepal Police Club in the final. On that occasion as well, United had defeated Rupandehi 2-0 in the quarterfinal. The current squad has only three African players who featured in the fourth edition.
Samsung Jawalakhel Youth Club will take on Ranipokhari Corner Team (RCT) on Thursday.
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