Tribhuwan Club down UKFC, enter semis

By A Staff Reporter

KATHMANDU, Sept 25: The Tribhuwan Club of Royal Nepal Army defeated Darjeeling's UKFC 2-1 to enter into the semifinals of the ongoing Birthday Cup tournament at the National Dashrath Stadium.
The winners of today's match, Tribhuwan Club put pressures on the rivals from the very start but had wait until the 31st minute to take the lead.

In one of many daring attacks, army's young striker Tulasi Chaudhary took a shot from the left of the Darjeeling's goal. The shot beat Darjeeling keeper Pranit Chhettri but rebounded off the side bar. Army's striker Raju Lama, who got hold of the rebound, slid the past the diving Chhettri to give the team 1-0 lead.

Tribhuwan Club striker Lama and Chaudhary squandered many chances after scoring the first goal. Darjeeling's young looking players also made some forays but due to shoddy field due to heavy overnight rain.

After the lemon break, the army team stepped up its attacks and consolidated the lead in the 67th minute when Tulasi Chaudhary chipped a ball to the utter dismay of the advancing custodian Chhettri. The 2-0 lead brought some complacency to the army side, allowing rivals to score a consolation goal.
Second half substitute Suraj Thapa capitalized on a goal mouth melee in the 89th minute, lowering the margin 2-1.

The winners of today's quarterfinalist will play against the winners of tomorrow's last quarterfinals between the Eastern Railway Calcutta and Friends Club.