Segun Eyitayo put Himalayan Sherpa ahead with a long-range strike in the 18th minute of the match. Army goalkeeper Phul Bahadur Lama had no chance of stopping the shot as he had moved forward leaving his position.
Himalayan Sherpa, however, could not hold on to its lead for long as Raju Tamang scored a penalty to equalize in the 45th minute. The departmental team was awarded the penalty after Himalayan Sherpa´s Palsang Lama brought down Tanka Basnet in the danger area. [break]
Tamang put Army ahead three minutes later in the first-half injury time. Himalayan Sherpa´s goalkeeper Sagar Gurung blocked a shot from Army striker Bharat Khawas but Tamang scored on the rebound. Tamang was adjudged the man of the match.
Army will take on Laxmi Hyundai Manang Marshyangdi Club in the semifinal on Wednesday.
Army had a chance to take an early lead in the 14th minute but Sherpa goalie Gurung saved Tek Bahadur Budhathoki´s header in a shot off Tanka Basnet.
"The team conceded an early goal as the boys took time to settle in. However, we improved as the match progressed and ultimately sealed victory," said Army coach Yogambar Suwal.
Himalayan Sherpa also wasted some scoring chances. Eyitayo shot inches wide in the 28th minute and Laxman Ruchal´s header in the 35th also went wide. Heman Gurung was denied by the Army keeper in the 75th minute.
Himalayan Sherpa coach Bikash Gauchan alleged that match referee Nabindra Maharjan´s decision to award the penalty to Army was wrong. "We were leading and playing well but the referee took a wrong decision. It was a foul outside the danger area, but he awarded a penalty and Army took advantage of the wrong decision," said Gauchan.
Laxmi Bank Three Star Club faces Pokhara XI in the quarterfinal on Monday.
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