Dharan, February 22

CMG Club Sankata defeated Rupandehi 2-1 and advanced to the final of the 19th International Invitational Red Bull Budha Subba Gold Cup Football Tournament here at the ANFA Technical Centre grounds today.

Anil Gurung scored a brace for Sankata, while Deepak Rai netted a goal for Rupandehi. Sankata’s Gurung was named the man-of-the-match and received Rs 5,000.

Gurung found the back of the nets in the 23rd minute utilising Sajin Thapa’s pass and put Sankata ahead in the match. Rupandehi’s Rai levelled the tally in the 43rd minute following a pass from Amar Dangol.

However, Gurung sealed the victory for Sankata from the spot in the 79th minute. Sankata earned the penalty after Rupandehi’s Saurav Magar brought down Sankata’s Dipesh Shrestha inside the box.

Rupandehi created a couple of goal scoring chances but failed to convert them.

Sankata will now face the winners of the match between hosts Dharan FC ‘Blue’ and Nepal Police Club in Saturday’s final match. The second semi-final will be played on Thursday.

The winners and runners-up will get Rs 500,000 and Rs 250,000 respectively, while the best player will receive a motorbike.