Dharan, February 18

Rupandehi-XI defeated Kakarvitta Training Centre 3-1 in tie-breaker to enter the semi-finals of the 19th International Invitational Red Bull Budha Subba Gold Cup Football Tournament here at the ANFA Technical Centre grounds today.

The match was decided on penalties after a 1-1 draw in the regulation period of 80 minutes. Niraj Basnet, Saurabh Magar and Uttam Gurung converted from the spot for Rupandehi, while Pujan Uparkoti was the lone scorer for Kakarvitta. Subin Mainali and Angel Gurung missed their shots, while Dilen Limbu’s attempt was saved by Rupandehi goalkeeper Dilip Chhetri, who was later named the man-of-the-match and received Rs 5,000.

Earlier, Golson Limbu of Kakarvitta opened the scoring in the 61st minute before levelled the scores four minutes from time.

Rupandehi coach Dayaram Sapkota said his players failed to perform as expected. “The players did not get adequate rest after the Udaypur Gold Cup and still they eked out a win,” said Sapkota. Kakarvitta coach Deepak Karki blamed the players for not being able to hold the ball in the dying moments of the match. “We also could not score in penalty shoot-out,” he added.

On Sunday, hosts Dharan Blue will play against Pokhara-XI.