SIMARA, APRIL 18

African Roots Association defeated Tribhuvan Army Football Club 2-1 in extra time and advanced to the semi-finals of the 11th Bishwokarma Cement Jitpur Simara Gold Cup here at the Simara Stadium today.

Njimi scored a brace for ARA, while George Prince Karki replied for the departmental side. Njimi was later named the man of the match and he earned Rs 5,000.

After a goalless first half, ARA took the lead in the 61st minute when Njimi slotted home from inside the penalty area.

TAFC levelled the scores in the 89th minute from the spot after A Fabrice handled the ball inside the danger zone and Karki converted the resulting penalty to push the match to extra time.

Njimi restored ARA's lead five minutes into the extra time when he headed home following a corner kick from Smell.

TAFC, who made it to the last eight with a 4-1 victory over Birgunj United, wasted a couple of opportunities in the first half. Santosh KC saw his attempt cleared from the goalline by ARA defender Tony Ambassa in the 17th minute, while Sushant Shrestha's strike from close range sailed over the bar in the 44th minute.

On Monday, Nepal APF Club -who won the sixth Birat Gold Cup in Biratnagar on Saturday - will take on Bagmati-XI in the second quarter-final match. APF were directly drawn in the last eight, while Bagmati-XI had defeated Bharatpur Football Club in the first round match. A version of this article appears in the print on April 19, 2021, of The Himalayan Times.