Dharan, March 19:

Sahara Club of Pokhara shoot out Tribhuvan Army Club 3-1 in tie breaker and secured a semi-final berth at the ninth Budha Subba Gold Cup football tournament here today.

The game was decided on penalty shoot out after a goalless draw in the 100 minutes of the play. Only Raju Tamang, the winner of the best midfielder award in the recently concluded Martyrs Memorial ‘A’ Division League, converted the spot kick for the Armymen.

Sahara goalkeeper was rightly declared the man of the match after saving three spot kicks — Chun Bahadur Thapa, Ful Bahadur Lama and Chakra Tamang. Nirajan Khadka, Govinda Thapa and Umesh Upreti all converted for Sahara.

“We lost the match despite playing well,” said dejected Tribhuvan Army coach Babukaji Dhaubanjar. This was the second straight defeat of the Armymen here. The Armymen were also sent packing in their first match by Ranipokhari Corner Team in their previous outing here.

“It was a team effort,” said Sahara coach Kiran Shrestha. “The experienced Manang Marsyangdi Club players (Khadka, Upretti, Anil Gurung) played a major part in our win,” added coach Shrestha. Sahara will play African United for a place in the final.

Dharan ‘red’ will take on New Road Team in Tuesday’s quarter-final match.