HETAUDA: CMG Club Sankata stunned Ruslan Three Star Club 1-0 to secure their berth in the semi-finals of third Hetauda International Gold Cup Football Tournament on Tuesday.

Karna Limbu’s goal in the 83rd minute was decisive in the match to help Sankata fix the semi-final clash against Nepal Police Club scheduled for Thursday.

Star-studded Three Star created some glorious chances in the match played at the Institute of Forestry grounds, but due to poor conversion they failed to score any.

Goal scorer Limbu was named man-of-the-match to be rewarded with Rs 5,000.

After the match Sankata coach Salyan Khadgi said that his strategy of marking opponent team’s key players was successfully executed. “Our plan was to mark Three Star’s key players tightly, especially Nirajan Khadka and my players played accordingly,” said Khadgi.

Likewise, Three Star coach Meghraj KC said that his players were tired having played 19 matches in space of 30 days. “Despite the defeat, I am satisfied with the performance of the players. They have played many matches in short span of time so they are tired which was major reason behind loss,” said KC.

Meanwhile, A division rivals Tribhuvan Army Club and Manang Marshyangdi Club will battle in tournament’s first semi-final on Wednesday.

A total of eight teams are competing in the tournament being organised by Suman Bhomjan Memorial Sports Foundation. The winners and runners-up of the tournament will get Rs 500,000 and Rs 300,000 respectively. Similarly, the best player will get Rs 50,000.