Simara, March 9

Bijay Youth Club of Hetauda advanced to the final of the Ruslan seventh Simara Gold Cup Football Tournament defeating defending champions Tribhuvan Army Club (TAC) in sudden death here today.

In the first semi-final match played at the Simara Stadium, Sunil BK scored in the sudden death for Bijay after Santosh Tamang’s shot struck against the post. Both the teams converted five penalties each in shoot out.

Jitendra Karki, Bharat Khawas, Rajin Dhimal, Deepak Gurung and Bikesh Kuthu scored for TAC in penalty shootout, while Sunil Bal, Sanjay Raj Bahak, Bhupal Gurung, Rabi Bhandari and Bishow Adhikari converted their shots for Bijay.

Earlier, the teams were deadlocked at 1-1 in the regulation period. TAC took the lead through Jitendra Karki’s penalty goal in the 10th minute. TAC were awarded spot kick after Manoj Bista of Bijay brought down Tanka Basnet in the danger box. Bimal Rana scored the equaliser in the 87th. Rabi Bhandari had a chance to equalise the match for Bijay in the 58th minute but Hiranya Magar cleared the ball from the goal line.

TAC coach Meghraj KC said the boys could not hold their lead. “We missed many chances that cost us the match,” said KC. Bijay coach Subin Ghimire was happy with the performance of his team. “Boys played well against TAC.”

Bijay will now take on the winners of Thursday’s match between Birgunj United and Rupandehi-XI.