Dharan, March 18:

Surendra Tamang scored a hat-trick as Nabil Three Star Club beat Armed Police Force (APF) Team 3-0 to enter the semi-finals of the ninth Budha Subba Gold Cup football tournament today.

“It was really satisfying for me to contribute to the team’s win,” said skipper Tamang, who is lately trying to regain his form. Tamang scored early in the 10th minute and added two more goals in the 69th and 85th minute to complete the rout.

Three Star coach Bal Gopal Maharjan said: “We won because we utilised the chances.” Three Star converted three of the four chances they got during the match. Pradeep Maharjan wasted the other opportunity. Tamang was declared the man of the match.

APF’s Santosh Sahukhala also had a chance in the 46th minute but Three Star goalkeeper Sanjeev Shrestha denied him the goal. “The first goal was the turning point of the game,” said APF coach Dhruba KC, adding that his players lost their composure and the game thereafter.

Tribhuvan Army Club will face Sahara Club in the third quarter-final match on Monday.