A solitary goal from Karna Limbu sent Three Star packing as they succumbed to a 1-0 defeat against Sankata Club in the last quarter-final of the Hetauda Gold Cup football tournament on Tuesday.

Limbu, who had spells with nearly half a dozen of clubs this season, scored the decider seven minutes from time to knock Three Star out. Three Star were chasing their third title of the season after winning the Itahari Gold Cup and Budha Subba Gold Cup.

Sankata will meet Nepal Police Club (NPC) in the second semi-final on Thursday a day after Tribhuvan Army Club take on Manang Marshyangdi Club (MMC).

Three Star goalie Alan Neupane denied foreign recruit Abba in the 14th minute and prevented Prakash Budathoki’s six-yard header in the 42nd. A minute later, Three Star’s foreigner recruit Ajayi Martins squandered another scoring opportunity in one-on-one encounter with the goalkeeper Binay Shrestha.

Limbu struck in the 83rd minute, scoring from six yards out and was declared man-of-the-match. Three Star came agonising close to equalising in the 88th minute only to see Sunil Bal found the woodwork. Limbu also hit the upright in the dying moments of the game. Suman Bhomjan Sports Foundation, the tournament organisers offer Rs 500,000 to the champions and Rs 300,000 to the runners-up.

Meanwhile, Farwest XI on Tuesday lodged a complaint against referee Sudish Pandey claiming his poor decision cost them the quarter-final match against Tribhuvan Army Club, which they lost 5-3 on penalties on Monday. They claimed the disallowed goal of Rakesh Hamal had crossed the goalline.