Dharan, February 20

CMG Club Sankata defeated Nepal APF Club 1-0 and entered the semi-finals of the 19th International Invitational Red Bull Budha Subba Gold Cup Football Tournament here at the ANFA Technical Centre grounds today.

First half solitary goal from Raj Paudel was enough for Sankata to beat departmental team and confirmed their meeting with Rupandehi-XI for a place in the final.

Sankata, who adopted an attacking approach from the beginning, took the lead in the 40th minute after Paudel found the back of the nets following a pass from Sajin Thapa. Sankata missed a couple of goal scoring chances. Sushil KC’s shot was saved by APF goalie Milan Rai in the 17th minute, while Lawal Olalekan wasted a chance in the 36th minute and Sajin Thapa muffed up an easy opportunity in the 62nd.

APF also failed to convert their chances. Top Bista’s powerful shots in the 42nd and 70th were saved by Sankata glovesman Binay Shrestha, who also stood firm while denying Rupak Lama’s long range attempt in the 55th minute. APF’s Ramesh Dangal was named the man-of-the-match and won Rs 5,000. The two teams had played a goalless draw in a friendly match in Sarlahi two days ago.

Sankata coach Salyan Khadgi said his team could convert the chance. “APF also put up a good show but they failed to score,” added Khadgi. APF coach Kumar Thapa lamented his players for being unable to score despite creating clear goal scoring chances. “It is sad to be in the losing team despite playing better than the opponents. We had four certain goal-scoring chances but the players failed to convert them,” he added.

On Tuesday, Nepal Police Club will play against United Sikkim FC of India in the last quarter-final match.