Makawanpur, February 16

Sahara Academy advanced to the semi-finals of the International Invitational Hetauda Gold Cup Football Tournament with a 2-0 victory over APF Club on Tuesday.

In the match played at Forestry College grounds in Hetauda, Shiva Subedi scored a goal, while APF conceded an own goal in Sahara’s victory. Subedi opened the scoring for Sahara through a header of Nishan Limbu in the 25th minute. APF’s Milan Lama conceded an own goal in the 36th minute. Despite going down by two goals APF had attacked Sahara’s post but were unlucky each time. On other hand, Sahara’s attempts were denied by APF goalie Sabin Regmi.

APF coach Janak Singh said boys could not play in the first half and conceded goals. “Our goalkeeper was out of position and conceded early goal. In second half, we played well but boys failed to capitalise the chances,” Singh said. Sahara coach Kiran Shrestha said the boys played well in the first half. “We scored in the first half which was our base for the win as our second half was poor,” he said.

Sahara next will face Laxmi Hyundai Manang Marshyangdi Club in the semi-finals on Thursday before hosts Suman Bhomjan Memorial Trust’s first semi-finals clash against Tribhuvan Army Club on Wednesday. A total of eight teams are competing in the tournament. Winners will be awarded with Rs 300,000, while the runners-up will receive Rs 150,000. The tournament is organised in memory of late Suman Bhomjan, who lost his life in the devastating earthquake that struck Nepal on April 25 last year claiming more than 8,500 lives.