Two first half goals from Amar Dangol handed Rupandehi XI a 3-2 win over visiting Druk Star Club of Bhutan to advance to the quarter-finals of the Khaptad Gold Cup football tournament in Dhangadi on Tuesday.

Man-of-the-match Dangol, who squandered a scoring chance early in the seventh minute, made the breakthrough in the 22nd minute. He doubled their advantage in the 38th minute. Druk Star pressed hard to make comeback and dully succeeded by pulling one back in the 58th minute through Kingwa Rugbey. But Manish Thapa restored the two-goal lead for Rupendehi in the 69th. The Bhutanese team added their second in the stoppage time through Yeshi Dorje.

The match appeared destined for the tiebreaker after the visitors were awarded penalty, again in the stoppage time after Gautam Shrestha brought down Druk Star played inside the zone. But Rupandehi goalie Sojit Gurung denied Keng Wangi from the spot to send the visitors packing home from the very first match. Rupandehi will take on Manang Marshyangdi Club in the quarter-finals on Friday. 

Despite the win, Rupandehi coach Dayaram Sapkota was unhappy with his boys. “Our were well below the expectations. We faced tough challenge as the boys took opponents lightly. We will come with improved show in the next game,” he said. Druk Star coach Kote Namge said that his played failed to perform to their potentials. “Our players were better than the opponents in all aspect and we lost due to our own mistakes,” he said.

The quarter-finals will start from Wednesday with Sankata taking on Nepal APF Club for entry into the semi-finals.