Dharan: Hosts Dharan Football Club defeated Nepal Armed Police Force (APF) Club 3-1 to reach the semi-finals of the 12th Budha Subba Gold Cup here on Thursday.

Buddha Chemjong scored a brace and Raju Rai added the other for Dharan while Jibesh Pandey replied for APF, who missed two penalties out of the three they earned during the match. In the day’s quarter-final held at the proposed Eastern Stadium, Chemjong gave Dharan the lead in the 30th minute cashing in on a supply from Sudeep Limbu.

APF got an equalising opportunity with five minutes before the break through a penalty after Dharan defender got hand to an APF cross inside the area. Shekhar Limbu attempted the spot kick but Dharan glovesman Padamhang Limbu brilliantly denied him to save his team’s 1-0 lead going into the second half.

Dharan looked strong early in the latter half after Raju Rai scored in the 47th minute to double the lead. APF were lucky to earn another spot kick in the 61st minute after a Dharan defender handled the ball inside the penalty area. This time Jibesh made no mistake in scoring from the spot.

APF got the life after the goal but man of the match Chemjong stunned them with his second goal a minute later. APF’s luck was pretty strong when they earned their third penalty in the 76th minute, also because of a handball. But Jibesh struck it powerfully and the ball rebounded to play hitting the woodwork.

On Friday, Knight Chess Club of Jhapa will take on Rani Pokhari Corner Team (RCT) of Kathmandu.