Kathmandu, September 17 :

Tribhuvan Army Club (TAC) entered the semi-finals after a 4-1 win over Saraswoti Club in the Subarna Shumsher Memorial Knockout Football Tournament at the Dasharath Stadium here today. TAC will play Sankata in the second semi-final on Tuesday.

Ram Kumar Biswas struck twice while Daimoj Dhimal and Bikarna Shrestha scored for the Armymen. Rupesh Dhaubanjar scored the consolation goal for the club that had a first round bye and will make its first National League appearance this year.

Dhimal gave TAC the lead early in the eighth minute following Chun Bahadur Thapa’s free kick.

Three minutes later, Saraswoti was close to equalising but TAC goalkeeper Ganga Ram Deuja managed to flick the chip by Bikarna and Shiva Chaudhary cleared the ball.

Rupesh levelled the scores for the enthusiastic but inexperienced Saraswoti in the 15th minute.

Saraswoti was no match to the TAC, who stole the show after conceding the equaliser. Biswas put TAC ahead when he headed home on a Raju Tamang corner in the 23rd minute. Four minutes later, Bishwo Bairag Samal delivered a wonderful cross and unmarked Bikarna Shrestha had no problem heading in the ball for the team’s third goal. Biswas added yet another in the 81st minute to ensure the team’s victory. Biswas had an easy job putting the ball behind the bars after Mahendra Khawas provided him a nice left wing cross.

TAC would have added one more had not Hari Bahadur Mahato wasted a chance three minutes from time. He rounded Saraswoti goalie but shot off target on an unguarded post.

In Monday’s semi-final, Manang Marsyangdi will play Mahendra Police Club.