Itahari, April 1:

Raju Lama struck twice in the extra-time to help Friends Club edged out Jhapa-XI 4-2 in the quarter-finals of the Itahari Gold Cup here today.

Lama scored the decisive goals in the 93rd and 103rd minutes after a 2-2 deadlock in the regular 90 minutes of play. Earlier, skipper Bikash Subba gave Jhapa the lead in the seventh minute only to be equalised by Nilendra Dewan in the 29th minute.

Yogesh Gurung again put Jhapa, the upset winner over Nabil Three Star Club in the pre-quarters, ahead scoring the second goal in the 38th minute. Their lead, however, did not last long as Sushil Adhikari drew level in the 57th minute, extending the game into extra time.

Lama then scored three minutes into the extra time and added another 10 minutes later. Lama was adjudged the man of the match.

Jhapa-XI coach Bhagirath Ale blamed lack of coordination between their players for their defeat.

Friends coach Siddhi Byanjankar accepted that they had tough time beating Jhapa. “We won due to our player’s resilience,” added Byanjankar.

Manang Marsyangdi Club meet Purbanchal Champion Club in Monday’s quarter-final match.