Dharan, March 7:

African United defeated AFNA Academy’s Under-17 team 2-1 and entered the semi-finals of the eighth Budha Subba Gold Cup Football Tournament today.

Daniel Ikong and Obagbemiro Junior scored for African United, while ANFA Academy got a consolation goal from Ranjeet Shrestha.

Nurudeen Olawale Salau put African United ahead in the 15th minute through a header on Ike Okushie’s pass from the right flank. Ranjeet Shrestha levelled the scores in the 26th minute capitalising on a defensive error.

African United took lead again two minutes later through skipper Obagbemiro Junior’s spot kick which the African United earned after ANFA Academy’s Rabin Shrestha was called for a hand inside the penalty area.

ANFA Academy almost took lead in the fourth minute, but African United goalkeeper Onyebuchi saved Sachin Ghimire’s free kick. Apart from those two goals, ANFA Academy did not provide the opportunity to African United.

The match was interrupted for about five minutes in the 60th minute after ANFA Academy’s Ranjeet Shrestha was injured in collision with an African United player and referee Kiran Giri did not stop the match for a long time. The organisers had to deploy the security force to control the furious crowd.

The ANFA Academy’s players put their opponents at bay with tight defence in the second half. Apart from Ranjeet Shrestha, Rabin Shrestha was also carried off the field after he collided with African United goalkeeper in the 70th minute.

African United goalie denied Anil Ojha in the 71st, while Bharat Khawas wasted a chance in the dying moments. Obagbemiro was na-med the man of the match.

In Wednesday’s semi-final match, MPC will take on hosts Dharan Football Club.