Sunsari, January 24

Ruslan Three Star Club defeated Tribhuvan Army Club 5-3 on penalties and advanced to the final of the Madan Bhandari Memorial Itahari Gold Cup Football Tournament here today.

The winners of the match were decided on spot kick battle following a 1-1 draw in the regulation period of 90 minutes and the teams remained deadlocked in the 15 minutes of extra time.

Three Star’s Ranjit Dhimal, Nirajan Khadka, Sunil Bal, Buddha Chemjong and Ananta Tamang converted their shots from the spot. Similarly, Nawayug Shrestha, Santosh Tamang and Dip Lama scored for TAC but Arik Bista’s was denied by Three Star goalie Alen Neupane.

TAC had defeated Three Star in the semi-finals of the Khaptad Gold Cup in Dhangadhi last week.

In the regulation period, TAC took the lead through Nawayug Shrestha’s goal in the 25th minute. Shrestha scored following a pass from skipper Bharat Khawas.

However, Three Star’s foreign recruit Martins Ajayi levelled the tally in the 57th minute as he headed home Sunil Bal’s cross.

Three Star’s Ajayi was named the man-of-the-match and received Rs 10,000.

Three Star will now face the winners of Thursday’s second semi-final match between Laxmi Hyundai Manang Marshyangdi Club and Garifa Sporting Club of India. The final is slated for Saturday.