Himalayan Sherpa Club defeated Gorkha Boys of Rupahdehi 5-4 on penalties to enter the semifinals of the Sudurpaschim Khaptad Gold Cup football tournament in Dhangadhi on Friday.

The last quarter-final match was decided via tie-breaker after a goalless draw in the regulation period. All five penalty takers converted from the spot for Himalayan Sherpa, while Sujit Budathoki of Gorkha Boys was denied by goalie Tekendra Thapa. The custodian was declared the man of the match and collected a purse of Rs10,000.

Himalayan Sherpa will now meet Three Star Club in the semi-finals on Sunday, while hosts Sudurpaschim XI will take on APF Club on Saturday for a place in the final. It was the second quarter-final match in as many days to be decided on penalties. Nepal Armed Police Force Club had edged past Nepal Police Club 4-3 in a penalty shootout on Thursday.

Himalayan Sherpa's Cameroonian recruit Ulrich Siwe, Ashis Gurung, Diwas Urau, Bhison Gurung and Bishal Rai, all converted from the spot. Gorkha Boys' Hari Kathayat, Anish Tamang, Rup Bahadur Lama and Uttam Gurung hit the targets before Budathoki's shot was prevented by a diving custodian Thapa.

"The match was prolonged into a tie-breaker after we failed to capitalise on the scoring chances," Himalayan Sherpa’s Manager, Sushil Tamang said. "We will come up with a compact show against Three Star in the semi-final. Striker Bijay Shrestha is expected to start in the next match and his presence will also boost the morale of the squad."

Gorkha Boys coach Pradip Acharya said that his assembled squad lacked proper understanding. "Apart from the lack of understanding, poor finishing cost us the match."