Manang Marshyangdi Club (MMC) edged Rupandehi XI 7-6 in sudden death penalty shootout to enter the semi-finals of the Kakadbhitta Gold Cup football tournament here on Saturday.

Goalkeeper Dinesh Thapa was the hero for MMC after the custodian denied Saurav Magar from the spot to send his team into the semi-finals. MMC are fresh from finishing runners-up in the Satashi Gold Cup, also in Jhapa.

The match was pushed to tiebreaker after the regulation time ended on a goalless draw. Anil Gurung, Bimal Basnet, Sujal Shrestha, Heman Gurung, Dona Thapa, Bikram Lama and Bimal Rana all scored for MMC. 

Niraj Basnet, Rajin Dhimal, Rupesh KC, Deepak Rai, goalkeeper Dilip Chhetri and Bijaya Dhimal were on target for Rupandehi before MMC keeper Thapa denied Magar. Thapa was adjudged the man-of-the-match and got Rs 10,000.

Rupandehi had the first chance in the game when Rajin Dhimal set Abba inside the area but the African player failed to direct the ball into the nets. A minute later, Bimal Gharti Magar’s head goal was ruled offside.

Bishal Rai was close to giving MMC a 39th minute lead but his shot sailed just outside the post as the deadlock remained. Gharti Magar was once again in the act charging in a powerful shot only to see Rupandehi goalie Chhetri denying him in the 50th minute.  On Sunday, Far West XI will take on title contenders Tribhuvan Army Club.