KATHMANDU, June 25:Tribhuvan Army Club and Rumpum Jhapa XI entered the semifinals of Lalit Memorial U-18 Football Tournament winning their respective quarterfinal matches at the ANFA Complex, Satdobato on Friday.
Army beat departmental side Nepal Police Club 2-0 and Jhapa recorded 3-1 win over Sudur Biscuits Far-western Football club in tie-breaker.
In the semifinals, Army will face Jhapa while CMG Club Sankata will meet Jagadamba Lumbini Football Club on Monday.
Jhapa XI takes on Army in Mai Valley final today
Arik Bista and Dinesh Henjan scored a goal each against Police to secure Army's last four spot. Arik netted in the 45+1 minute to give Army a lead and Henjan doubled the advantage in the 89th minute to confirm Army's meeting with Jhapa.
Army coach Chakra Tamang said that his side played good teamwork and won the match, while Police coach Ananta Tamang commented that his team faced defeat despite playing according to their game plan as they failed to score.
Meanwhile, the winner between Jhapa and Far-western was decided through spot-kick after their match ended in a 1-1 draw.
Jhapa took the lead in the 78th minute with skipper Sanjog Rai scoring the goal. However, Dipak Raj Singh of Far-western leveled the score in the 87th minute.
In the tie-breaker, Jhapa beat the opponent 3-1 to book a spot in the semifinal.
After the match, Jhapa coach Pravesh Katuwal said that his side won the match for being technically sound, while Far-western coach said the team lost the match as favorite players failed to score on penalties.
