Sahara Club of Pokhara entered the semi-finals of the second Hetauda Gold Cup football tournament here on Tuesday.

In a tense match, Sahara edged Delhi United 3-2 in tiebreaker after both teams were locked at 1-1 at the end of 90 minutea of regulation time. Due to bad light, the 30-minute extra time was not played. Sahara will now play defending champions Manang Marshyangdi Club for a place in the final.

Goalkeeper Sujit Mahat was the hero of the day for Sahara blocking three shots from Delhi team. He was adjudged man-of-the-match. Shiva Subedi, Bishnu Gurung and Pradeep Gurung were on target for Sahara, while Indian keeper Sanju saved a shot from Susan Gurung. Don Lopcha and Maharoof converted from the spot for Delhi United but Gyale, Roshan Chhetri and Logo had their shots saved by Mahat.

The Indian side was reduced to 10 men after Rishi was shown a straight red by Fifa referee Sudish Pandey after he was involved in an altercation with Saroj Yonjan. Delhi United, however, were hardly troubled by one-man disadvantage taking control of the game.

They went ahead in the 51st minute after Jonathan headed home a cross from Lopcha. The visitors switched to defensive gears and that allowed Sahara to exert consistent pressure on them. The hard work paid off after Richard Pun struck in the 73rd minute heading a freekick from Roshan Malla.

On Wednesday, Sankata Club will take on Army Club. The tournament is organised by Suman Bhomjan Memorial Foundation. The champions will earn Rs 500,000 and runners-up will get Rs 300,000.

APF advance into last four 

KAKARBHITTA: Nepal Armed Police Force (APF) Club edged Sankata Club 1-0 to enter the semi-finals of the Kakarbhitta Gold Cup on Tuesday. In the last quarter-final match of the tournament, Hari Karki scored in the 17th minute with the goal proving to be the decider. Karki struck in the rebound after a cross 

from Sudip Sikhrakar was half cleared by Sankata defender. In the first 

semi-final on Wednesday, Jhapa XI will take on Rupandehi XI. (PR)