Pokhara, January 25

Tribhuvan Army Club (TAC) advanced to the semi-finals of the 14th Aaha-Rara Gold Cup Football Tournament with a 1-0 victory over defending champions Ruslan Three Star Club here at the Pokhara Stadium today.

Substitute Deep Lama scored the solitary goal of the match in the 30th minute to send the Patan-based club packing from their first match.

Lama, who replaced Tanka Basnet in the 25th minute, collected a deflected ball from Bharat Khawas’ attempt and slammed home with the ball entering the goal after finding the edge of the cross bar.

TAC will take on hosts Sahara Club in the semi-final match.

The three-time winners Three Star attacked TAC goal at regular intervals but failed to find the back of the nets.

In 19th minute, Peter Segun’s headed wide on a Anil Ojha cross, while the latter shot wide following a pass from Bijay Gurung three minutes later.

At the other end, Amrit Basnet came close to doubling TAC’s lead but he failed to convert in one-on-one situation with Three Star goalie Bishal Shrestha.

TAC coach Meghraj KC was satisfied with his players’ performance against the reigning league champions and tournament’s defending champions. “It was a tough match but the boys played as expected,” KC said.

Three Star Club coach Rajendra Tamang was not happy with referees’ decisions.

“The referees are not capable of officiating matches as they are afraid of the Army players,” Tamang accused. “And the luck was also not on our side as my players failed to score even in an open net.”

On Tuesday, Jhapa-XI will take on Rahamatgunj Football Society of Bangladesh in the last quarter-final match.