Itahari, March 31:

African United came back from a goal down to beat UKFC of Darzeeling 3-1 and secured a semi-final berth at the San Miguel International Invitational Gold Cup football tournament here today.

Raju Rai struck twice and Suleman scored the other for the runners up of the recently concluded Budha Subba Gold Cup in Dharan. Earlier, Sushil Karthak had provided the lead to the UKFC.

Karthak put UKFC in the lead in the 56th minute before Rai struck two goals in six minutes to put African United on the driver’s seat. Rai equalised in the 80th minute before adding another six minutes later. Suleman completed the spectacular comeback scoring the third goal in the first minute of the injury time.

“We were able to beat them (UKFC) due to our patience,” said Raju Rai, who also won the man of the match award.

Prem Rai of UKFC rued the missed opportunities. “We lost our momentum and the game after conceding the two goals,” said Rai. Jhapa-XI will take on Friends Club of Kathmandu in the second quarter-final match on Sunday.