LALITPUR: Sautha Higher Secondary School of Morang and Arunodaya Secondary School of Kathmandu advanced to the semi-finals of the Coca-cola Cup Inter-school National Football Tournament here at the ANFA Complex today.

Last year’s runner up Sautha edged past Birendra Sainik Awasiya Mahavidhyala (BSAM) of Bhaktapur 1-0 to top Group A winning both league matches. Prem Tamang scored the decider in the 30th minute of the match. Sautha will now take on Group B winners Janak Boarding English School of Morang in the semi-finals.

In Group C last league match, Arunodaya came from behind to beat Gandaki Boarding School of Pokhara 3-2 assuring the semi-final clash with Group D winners Radhika Secondary School.

Ram Prasad Chaudhary scored in the 24th minute to give Gandaki the lead before Niroj Layo Magar came with the equaliser seven minutes later. Arunodaya took the lead in the match when Bikram Tamang found the back of the net in 39th minute and Sunny Lama extended the team’s lead with a goal in the 53rd minute.

Gandakai were struggling to find a goal in the remaining time but Abhinash Thakali narrowed the deficit scoring in the 71st minute though his effort was not enough to put his team alive in the title race. The semi-finals are slated for Sunday.