Dauphins Family of Cameroon defeated Nepal APF Club 2-0 to enter the semi-finals of the Budha Subba Gold Cup football tournament at the Dharan Stadium on Wednesday.

In a rematch of the Pokhara Cup final, which was held on February 10 where Dauphins beat APF 1-0, Yannick Owona struck both the goals. It was Owona who had spoiled APF’s title ambition in Pokhara as well. Dauphins will take on Nepal Police Club on Friday for a place in the final.

Yannick gave early ninth minute lead to Dauphins with a scorcher from outside the area to send the ball past APF goalkeeper Roman Rasaili. The forward doubled their advantage four minutes into second half . He collected the man-of-the-match award and earned Rs 15,000.

With the intent of avenging the defeat of Pokhara, APF adopted an offensive approach and created some goal scoring chances. But they failed to capitalise on those opportunities against the physically superior team. Dider Tina’s 18th minute strike for Dauphins was off target and they came closer to scoring in the 39th minute only for Yannick’s strike to rattle the woodwork.   

APF’s first real chance came in the 22nd when Dauphins custodian punched Rup Lama’s freekick to safety. Yubaraj Khadka could have made 1-1 for APF in the first half stoppage time but the forward, with only custodian on his way, ended up firing above the bar. The departmental outfits created frequent chances after the break but their quest of goal went all in vain.

APF coach Ratnakaji Maharjan was disappointed that he failed avenge Pokhara loss. “We tried our best but poor finishing cost us dear. We conceded the second goal due to defensive error,” said Maharjan. Dauphins coach Ourel Inime said the first half was really tough but his team improved on the latter half. Sankata will take on hosts Dharan FC on Thursday.