Hetauda, January 4

Last year’s runners-up Tribhuvan Army Club outplayed CMG Club Sankata 2-0 and advanced to the semi-finals of the second Tuborg Hetauda Gold Cup International Invitational Football Tournament here at the Forestry University grounds today.

Nawayug Shrestha and Deep Lama scored a goal each for TAC, who recently finished runners-up in the seventh National Games in Dharan. Shrestha opened the scoring for TAC in the 40th minute through a perfect header following a free kick from Suman Aryal. Lama, who entered the ground in the second half, doubled the advantage for the Armymen in the 72nd minute.

Earlier, Bibek Bansnet’s powerful shot was denied by Sankata glovesman Bishal Shrestha in the 35th minute, while TAC’s goalkeeper Sushil Sriwastav made a brilliant save to stop a header from Sankata’s Abhishek Rijal, who was fed by Saroj Dahal in the 42nd minute.

TAC coach Nabin Neupane said his side played the best game against Sankata, who had defeated the departmental team 3-0 in Chitwan. “As they had defeated us in previous encounter, we made our preparation accordingly. We produced the victory capitalising on weak defense line of Sankata’,” said Neupane. Sankata coach Sailesh

Karmacharya said his side lost the match due to hectic schedule. “Players did not get adequate rest and that cost us the match,” said Karmacharya.

TAC will now face Prime Polyclinic Bijay Youth Club for a place in the final. Defending champions Laxmi Hyundai Manang Marshyangdi Club will play against Sahara Club of Pokhara in Thursday’s first semi-final match. Suman Bhomjan Memorial Foundation is organising the tournament under the sponsorship of Gorkha Brewery Pvt Ltd.