CHITWAN, Oct 25: Departmental team Tribhuvan Army Club has reached the semifinal of the ongoing 12th Tuborg Bikash Running Shield registering 2-1 victory over Himlayan Sherpa Club on Tuesday.
In the quarterfinal match held at Campachaur, Narayangadh, all three goals were netted by Army players including an own goal in the second half.
Army, who was playing its first match in the tournament after enjoying a bye in the previous round, took the lead in the 11th minute. Winger Tek Bahadur Budhathoki utilized a pass from Tanka Basnet from the right flank before firing at the back of the net to make it 1-0. Army doubled its lead in the 36th minute through Anish Shakya.
A Division outfit Himalayan Sherpa, which was under pressure after trailing by two goals, tried to cut the deficit when Laxman Ruchal fired a close range shot but he was denied by goalkeeper Bikash Malla.
Finally in the second half, the own goal scored by Army's Raju Ale Magar in the 47th minute helped narrow the goal margin. Himalayan Sherpa started to enjoy ball possession but failed to make any threatening move. Himalayan Sherpa's last ditch effort in the second half stoppage time was again denied by Bikash as he made good save to prevent Laxman's goal-bound corner.
The Army goalkeeper, who performed dominantly to help his team seal 2-1 victory, was declared the man-of-the-match. He was awarded Rs 10,000.
Sankata Club and Jhapa-XI will vie in the last quarterfinal match of the tournament on Wednesday. The tournament will conclude on October 30.
Sankata into semifinal in Khaptad
