A brace from Bikram Singh Thakuri guided hosts Sudurpaschim XI to a 4-2 victory over Kanchanjunga FC of India as they entered into the semi-finals of the Sudurpaschim Khaptad Gold Cup football tournament on Tuesday.

Besides Thakuri, Philip Tamang and Dipesh Shrestha were also on target for the home team who held a comfortable 3-0 lead by 23rd minute.

But before the first half, the away team responded with two goals through a penalty by Abhishek Dorje and a second from Tshiring Tamang.

Thakuri gave 10th minute lead to Sudurpaschim when he fired at the far post from the area after he was set up by Uddab Khatri. The home team doubled the advantage nine minutes later capitalising on a blunder made by opposition goalie Nigam Singh. Tamang easily sent the ball at the back of the open net as Singh had come out of his position. 

Thakuri scored his second of the match in the 23rd minute capitalising on a lack of communication between Kanchanjunga defenders. But the visitors scored two successive goals inside nine minutes with their first coming at the half-hour mark through penalty. Dorje scored from the spot after Dhan Bahadur Thapa of Sudurpaschim brought down Amir Lama inside the area.

Substitute Tshiring Tamang narrowed the scoreline to 3-2 nine minutes later when he collected a poor clearance from a Sudurpaschim defender and fired into the net.

Dipesh ensured the win for the home team, backed by local supporters, on the very first minute of the second half. He rounded the goalie Singh to slot home the fourth goal for Sudurpaschim. Thakuri was adjudged the man of the match and collected a purse of Rs 10,000.

Sudurpaschim will vie against the winners between Nepal Armed Police Force and defending champions Nepal Police Club in the semi-finals.
Three Star Club will be in action against Nawa Jana Jagriti Club of Simara in the second quarter-finals on Wednesday.