Sunsari, February 4

Durgapur Steel FC of India defeated hosts Dharan FC in sudden death and advanced to the semi-finals of the Budha Subba Gold Cup here at the Dharan Stadium today.

The match was decided in sudden death after both the teams were deadlocked at 2-2 in the regulation period and they failed to score in extra time. Both the teams scored three goals each in tie breaker.

Durgapur’s Manish Thapa converted his shot from the spot, while Dharan’s Tirtha Basnet failed to find the back of the nets in sudden death.

On penalties, Dharan’s Bartman Rai, Yogesh Gurung and Buddhiman Rai converted their shots, while skipper Bishnu Sunuwar and Suraj BK shot wide.

Similarly, Shashikanta Sur, Nishan Rai and Shegu Eyifay scored for Durgapur, whereas Samrat Nandi and Bishwojit Mondol failed to score from the spot. Durgapur’s Babulal Hansda was named the man-of-the-match and received Rs 10,000.

In the regulation period, Roman Limbu put Dharan ahead in the second minute following a free kick from Yogesh Gurung before Bartaman Rai doubled the tally in the 16th minute.

However, Durgapur bounced back strongly and scored two goals inside two minutes in the second half and levelled the tally.

Durgapur cut the deficit in the 78th minute through Shashikanta Sur’s goal, while Subham Thapa scored the equaliser a minute later in rebound. Dharan came close to scoring in the extra time when the hosts earned a penalty in the 99th minute after Durgapur’s Sunny Dutta brought down Nishan Limbu inside the box but Nishan Limbu wasted the opportunity.

Dharan coach Subash KC blamed his misfiring strikers for the loss. “We started well but missed ample goal scoring chances including the penalty. Similarly, the players were over confident after taking a 2-0 lead and that cost us the match,” said KC. Durgapur’s coach Pintu Sarkar said his players were tired due to hectic travel and failed to perform to the potential in the first half. “The boys lacked coordination in the first half. But they played as per the expectation later on and utilised the goal scoring chances,” said Sarkar.

On Monday, Aaha Rara Gold Cup champions Nepal Police Club will take on Kakarvitta Football Training Centre.