National League champions Three Star Club paid the price for a missed penalty as they lost to Tribhuvan Army Club (TAC) 1-0 in the quarter-finals of the seventh Simara Gold Cup here on Monday.

Bikash Tamang scored in the first half injury time for what ultimately turned out to be the winner for TAC, who had finished runners-up to Three Star in the National League. Three Star wasted a penalty in the 89th minute with Bikesh Kuthu making a brilliant save to make sure his side didn’t have to wait long to reach the last four.

TAC dominated the opening 30 minutes of the game before Three Star began to found their feet. TAC fielded national team striker Bimal Gharti Magar and in the 41st minute the U-19 skipper shot above the bar from the area.

Gharti Magar, however, made up for the miss after he set unmarked Tamang with a corner. Tamang made no mistake converting the pass with a perfect finish. While Three Star players lacked coordination in the game, a strong defense line up of TAC made life difficult for them.

TAC were dealt a major blow when their prolific striker Nawayug Shrestha had to be rushed to the hospital due to a freak injury. Under challenge from Peter Segun Eyitayo, Shrestha was hit on the forehead and carried off to hospital. His participation in the semi-final match has now been under doubt.

Three Star finally earned an opportunity to get back in the match when in the 86th minute they were rewarded a penalty after goal scorer Tamang was adjudged to have fouled Segun Eyitayo. Segun stepped in to take the shot but Kuthu made right judgement, virtually sending Three Star out of the game.

Dejected Three Star coach Rajendra Tamang fumed at his players after the game. “Our boys were not able to perform according to expectations. TAC looked a very well coordinated team. They desered the victory,” said Three Star coach.

Army coach Meghraj KC was not satisfied despite the win. “We wasted quite a few opportunities and had to struggle throughout the game,” said KC. Gharti Magar was adjudged the man-of-the-match. In the last quarter-final match  on Tuesday, Manang Marshyangdi Club will take on Rupandehi XI. MMC, who recently won the Buddha Subba Gold Cup in Dharan, were directly drawn into the quarter-finals. Rupandehi had edged out APF Club in their first game.