Dhangadhi, January 7

CMG Club Sankata beat Dharan Football Club in sudden death and advanced to the quarter-finals of the second International Invitational Nepal Ice Farwest Khaptad Gold Cup Football Tournament here at the Dhangadhi Stadium today.

The match was decided in sudden death after both the teams were tied at 3-3 in penalty shootout after playing a goalless draw in the regulation period.

Abhisek Rijal sealed the victory for Sankata in sudden death after custodian Binay Shrestha saved a shot from Dharan’s Roshan Khadka. The Kathmandu-based ‘A’ division outfit became the third team in as many days to register victory on penalties.

Sankata’s Anil Gurung, Bishwo Adhikari and Saroj Dahal converted their shots from the spot, while Dharan’s goalie Roshan Khadka saved shots from Sushil Lama and Bhusan Subba. Similarly, Bartaman Rai, Roman Limbu and Suraj BK scored for Dharan on penalties, while Subodh Shahi hit wide and Saujan Rai was denied by Sankata goalkeeper Binay Shrestha.

Earlier, Dharan wasted a goal scoring chance after Prakash Budhathoki’s shot from the spot was denied by Sankata’s goalkeeper Shrestha, who was named the man-of-the-match and got Rs 10,000.

“We failed to play to our potential in the first half due to hectic travel,” Sankata’scoachSalyanKhadgi. “But we regrouped in the second half,” added Khadgi. Similarly, Dharan’s coach Ashok Rai said his side was unaware about the condition of the ground. “We put in our best effort but lost the match as we were not aware about the ground,” said Rai.

Sankata will now face Nepal APF Club for the semi-final spot. On Monday, Ruslan Three Star Club will take on Jhapa-XI.