Kathmandu, November 22

Skipper Rupesh KC scored the solitary goal as Ruslan Three Star Club edged past NIBL Friends Club 1-0 and advanced to the semi-finals of the third Chandragiri Mayor Gold Cup Football Tournament here at the Naikap grounds today.

At a time when the match was heading towards a tame draw, KC scored the winning goal in the injury time of the match to guide his team to last four. KC collected a pass from Karan Raut and slammed home from the edge of the box in the second minute of the injury time. KC also earned the man-of-the-match award along with Rs 5,000.

Three Star made the first move in the third minute of the match with Susaan Shrestha hitting wide off the post. Brazilian recruit of Friends Club, Wanger Do Carmo wasted a chance in the sixth minute, while Friends goalkeeper Dev Limbu made a brilliant save to stop KC’s free kick in the 16th minute.

Three Star’s Hamzat wasted a chance following a pass from Susaan Shrestha in the 20th minute, while Friends goalkeeper Limbu saved Dipesh Ghale’s attempt moments later.

Filipe de Sauza of Friends muffed up a chance in the 33rd minute, while the Brazilian had a shot saved by Three Star goalkeeper Priso in the 58th minute and he wasted another chance two minutes later.

At the other end, Susaan Shrestha ended up with a wide shot in the 65th minute and he was unlucky in the 83rd minute as Friends defender Sanish Shrestha cleared the ball from goal line after goalkeeper Dev Limbu was well beaten. The match was heading towards penalty shootout and Three Star skipper KC produced the moment of brilliance to score the winning goal.

Three Star will now face the winners of the match between Nepal APF Club and Saraswoti Youth Club. On Saturday, Nepal Police Club will take on defending champions Valley Chyasal Youth Club in the third quarter-final match.

A total of 12 teams are taking part in the tournament organised by Deepshikha Youth Group. Top two teams will earn Rs 650,000 and Rs 350,000 respectively.