Sunsari, February 28

ANFA Morang defeated Kawran Bazar Pragati Sangha of Bangladesh 3-1 in tie-breaker and advanced to the semi-finals of the 23rd Budha Subba Tuborg Gold Cup Football Tournament here at the Dharan Stadium today.

ANFA Morang goalkeeper Ramijay Gachhadar stopped three penalties to seal his side victory and the heroics also earned him the player-of-thematch trophy along with Rs 10,000. ANFA Morang will face Avenir FC for a place in the final on Thursday.

In tie-breaker, Sanjay Dhimal, San Yakhya and Manish Dhimal scored for ANFA Morang, while Dhir Bista's shot was stopped by KBPS goalkeeper Kobiz. Khoka Babu was the lone player to convert from the spot for the Bangladeshi team. ANFA Morang goalkeeper Gachhadar denied Forid, Sagor and Shahin.

The match was decided on penalties after both the teams failed to score in regulation period.

ANFA Morang created a chance in the first minute of the match but Sanjay Dhimal failed to beat KBPS goalkeeper Kobiz in one-on-one situation.

Sagar BK shot above the bar from the box following a pass from Gilson Giri in the 17th minute. Four minutes later, Jaja headed into his own nets in an attempt to pass the ball to his goalkeeper Kobiz but the goal was disallowed for a foul. Kobiz then denied Sagar BK in a counter attack in the 57th minute.

At the other end, Shahin of KBPS made an attempt at the goal in the early stage of the match but ANFA Morang goalkeeper Gachhedar made a brilliant save, while Glory failed to score in an open nets at a time when Gachhedar was already beaten in the 15th minute. Saddam also muffed up an easy chance from six-yard box in the 36th minute.

ANFA Morang coach Ranu Rana Magar was delighted after his team made maiden last four appearance. 'The youthful team put up a brilliant show. The midfield created a lot of chances but the forward line failed to utilise them,' said Rana Magar.

On Wednesday, United Kurseong FC will take on Kakarvitta Football Training Centre in the first semi-final match of the tournament.

A version of this article appears in the print on March 1, 2023, of The Himalayan Times.