Butwal, March 27

Sunaulo Sangam defeated Nepal APF Club 3-1 on penalties and advanced to the semi-finals of the third Madan Bhandari International Gold Cup Football Tournament here today.

The match went to spot kick battle after both the teams were deadlocked at 2-2 draw in the regulation period of 90 minutes and added on time. Sunaulo Sangam’s Nitin Thapa won the man-of-the-match award and got Rs 10,000.

Sunaulo Sangam’s Ashish Thapa, Suraj Hamal and Janak Karki converted from the spot, while Ajit Thapa and Purna Bahadur Gurung wasted their shots. APF’s Nabin Lama was the only player to score the goal, while Ramesh Dangal, Rabi Thing and Milan Rai failed to convert their shots.

Earlier, APF took the lead in the 45th minute through Yubraj Khadka’s goal before Sunaulo Sangam’s Amrit Thapa levelled the tally in the 52nd minute. Khadka restored the in the 63rd minute with his second goal of the match, while Sunaulo Sangam’s Ashish Thapa scored the equaliser in the 74th minute from the spot. Sunaulo Sangam earned the penalty after APF’s Milan Rai handled the ball inside the box.

On Wednesday, Ruslan Three Star Club will take on Himalayan FC of Malaysia.