Dhangadhi, January 15

CMG Club Sankata advanced to the semi-finals of the third Nepal Ice International Farwest Khaptad Gold Cup with a 1-0 victory over Cameroon’s Dauphins Football Club here at the Dhangadhi Stadium today.

Ellon Maxwell scored the solitary goal of the match to ensure Sankata’s victory. Maxwell put Sankata ahead as early as the second minute when he scored an easy goal following a through pass from Laxman Ruchal. Sankata will now play against Nepal Police Club in the second semi-final match on Thursday.

Ruchal came close to doubling the tally in the 12th minute but he could not beat Dauphins goalkeeper Gurlaunce in one-on-one situation. The Cameroon side almost levelled the scores in the first half injury time but Dauphins skipper Joseph ended up with a wide shot from inside the penalty box.

Dauphins wasted another chance to score the equaliser in the 50th minute when Junior headed off target following a cross from Armel at a time when Sankata goalkeeper Raja Babu Thapa was out of his position. At the other end, Dauphins goalkeeper Gurlaunce saved Fofana Ibrahim’s shot moments later. In the 53rd minute Dauphins’ Nia headed over the bar on a cross from Tina, while the latter wasted a chance in the 88th minute. Sankata skipper Ravi Silwal was named the man of the match and he earned Rs 10,000.

Sankata coach Salyan Khadgi said the team performed as per the strategy. “We could have scored more goals in the first half,” said Khadgi. “In the second half, we decided to go with defensive strategy and I think it worked,” added Khadgi, whose side finished as runners-up in the recently-concluded Pulsar Martyrs Memorial A Division League.

On Wednesday, Ruslan Three Star Club will play against Mechi Netralaya Kakarvitta Football Training Centre in the first semi-final match.