Jhapa, September 23

Nepal APF Club defeated Rupandehi-XI 2-1 and entered the semi-finals of the first Dudhe Gold Cup Football Tournament here at the Dudhe grounds in Shivasatakshi Municipality today.

Yuvraj Khadka scored a brace for APF, while foreign recruit Junid netted the consolation goal for Rupandehi. Khadka opened the scoring in the 36th minute as he found the back of the nets following a cross from Shyam Nepali. Khadka doubled the tally for APF in the 51st minute before Junid cut the deficit in the 68th minute.

Junid’s shot from the centre of the pitch kissed the nets after APF goalkeeper Raj Nagarkoti failed to collect the ball properly.

Earlier, APF’s Hari Karki failed to score in an open post in the 22nd minute, while Khadka was denied by Rupandehi goalie Sujit Gurung in the 31st minute. Similarly, Rupandehi’s Junid wasted a goal scoring chance in the 33rd minute. APF’s Yuvraj Khadka was named the man-of-the-match and he received Rs 5,000.

In Sunday’s semi-final match, Church Boys United will play against Morang-XI, while the second semi-final match will be played between APF and Himalayan Sherpa Club on Monday.