Kathmandu, February 16

Ruslan Three Star Club advanced to the semi-finals of the Jigme Dorjee Wangchuk Memorial Gold Cup Football Tournament in Phuntsholing, Bhutan today.

The Nepali side defeated Ugyen Academy Football Club in sudden death after both the teams converted four each goals in penalty shootout. The match was decided on penalties after both the teams were deadlocked at 1-1 draw in the regulation period. Ananta Tamang scored the winning goal for Three Star in sudden death, while Three Star goalkeeper Alan Neupane saved Jigyel Gyeltshen’s shot.

Earlier, Ranjit Dhimal, Budha Limbu, Sunil Bal and Rupesh KC scored for Three Star in tie-breaker, while Dinesh Rajbanshi’s shot was saved by Ugyen goalkeeper Gyaltshen Zangpo. For Ugyen Academy, Kinley Tenzing, Phurba Tenzing, Yeshi Dorji and Gyaltshen Zangpo converted their attempts, while Three Star goalkeeper Neupane denied Thinley Dorji.

In the regulation period, both the teams failed to score in the first half on the soggy pitch caused by the rain. The home team took the lead in the 60th minute through Yeshi Dorji’s goal. Three Star levelled the scores five minutes later when Ananta Tamang capitalised on the mistake of Ugyen Academy goalkeeper Gyaltshen Zangpo before scoring in an open net.

Three Star joined another Nepali A division outfit, Tribhuvan Army Club in the last four. TAC had thrashed Thmpu City Football Club 6-0 in yesterday’s quarter-final match.