Dharan, February 16:

Goalkeeper Bikash Malla made crucial saves to guide Tribhuvan Army Club (TAC) into the final of the 11th International Invitational Budha Subba Tuborg Gold Cup with a 3-2 win in tiebreaker over Knight Chess Club of Jhapa here today.

As both the teams failed to break the deadlock after 120 minutes, the match was decided through spot kicks. Malla made three brilliant saves to steer his team into final. Malla denied Prabesh Katuwal, Sachindra Dhimal and Deepak Tamang. Only Deepak Rai and Aajad Pradhan were able to convert for the Knight Chess Club.

Shiva Chaudhary, Raju Tamang and Santosh Nepali converted for the Armymen while Knight Chess Club goalie Min Bahadur Basnet saved Chun Bahadur Thapa’s attempt. Malla won the man of the match award.

The Armymen will play for the championship against two-time champions Nabil Three Star on Wednesday.

ANFA Academy win

BIRTAMOD: ANFA Academy beat Morang-XI 3-0 in the Martyrs Gold Cup Football Tournament here on Monday. Shiva Shrestha provided the lead in the second minute before adding another in the 65th minute. Skipper Nirajan Malla ensured their victory with yet another goal in the 80th minute.