Skipper Sulaiman Olansile and Alaassance Camara scored for visitor United in either half during the second quarterfinal of the tournament. Earlier, Sherpa had taken the lead through Som Bahadur Malla. [break]
United, which comprises only African players, will now face the winner of the semifinal between Nepal Police Club and Manang Marshyangdi Club (MMC) on Thursday. Police will lock horns with MMC on Tuesday.
Sherpa, the runner-up of the National League, took the lead early in the 11th minute when Malla´s powerful strike from 45 yards stunned the United goalie and entered into the far post. Malla had utilized a free-kick taken by Rupesh KC to open the scoring.
Sherpa, however, could not hold on to its lead for long as United found the equalizer in the 24th minute. Skipper Olansile, who was later adjudged man-of the-match, struck home with a 30-yard freekick. Camara added another for United in the 63rd minute to seal the victory.
In the competitive match, Charles Ausiin´s attempt in Thomas Scott´s pass was cleared by Sherpa defender Saroj Dahal. Adeyemo Michael squandered a scoring chance during a one-on-one with goalie Bikesh Kutu.
Sherpa´s Korean player Jang Byang Joo´s powerful shot in the 17th minute went off the target. United player Osha commented that his team was able to achieve victory as it came up with an improved performance compared to their previous encounter against Rupandehi XI.
"The football fans of Pokhara will get chance to watch even better performances in upcoming matches," Osha said during the post-match conference, adding, "I pray for victory in upcoming matches as well."
Himalayan Sherpa´s coach Nawal Gurung said that his players were physically weak compared to the opponents. Gurung, who took charge of the club only five days ago, said, "Besides weak physical build, there was also absence of experienced players. The opponents played a better game in the later half."
Gurung, also the captain of Sahara UK, was watching Sherpa´s match for the first time. "Sherpa had put up an impressive show in the recently-concluded National League, but could not play well today," Gurung said, adding, "I took charge of the club only a few day ago and I´m trying to find out the team´s weaknesses."
Gurung also said it was still not decided how long he would look after the team. "The team looked weak as three players were in the training for the national side," Gurung said.
Samsung Jawalakhel Youth Club play against Mega Three Star Club on Monday.
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