Dhangadhi, January 11

CMG Club Sankata edged past Tribhuvan Army Club 2-1 to enter the semi-finals of the Bhageswor Group Far-west Khaptad Gold Cup here at the Dhangadhi Stadium today.

First half brace from Martins were enough for Sankata to outplay TAC, who travelled to Far-west with high spirit after winning the Hetauda Gold Cup. Martins opened the scoring for Sankata in the 16th minute and doubled the tally in the 25th minute.

TAC, who dominated the play with more ball possession, returned to the match after Tek Bahadur Budhathoki found the back of the nets in the 61st minute. The Armymen tried hard for an equaliser but failed to score. Sankata’s Martins was named the man-of-the-match and received Rs 5,000.

Sankata coach Salyan Khadgi lauded his players for executing the team plans. “We were successful in our strategy of scoring goals in the first half and adopting defensive approach later on,” said Khadgi after the match. TAC coach Nabin Neupane said his team came under pressure after conceding early goals. “We tried hard to bounce back after conceding two goals but were not able to do so,” commented Neupane.

Laxmi Hyundai Manang Marshyangdi Club will take on Delhi United FC of India in the first semi-final match on Thursday, while Sankata will play against HOSTS Far-west on Friday.  The winners and runners will receive Rs 500,000 and Rs 251,000 respectively.