Machhindra Football Club and Tribhuvan Army Club progressed into the semi-finals of the KP Oli Cup on Friday.

Sujal Shrestha and Ranjit Dhimal were on target as A-Division League champions Machhindra defeated Church Boys United 2-1 at the ANFA Complex in Satdobato, Lalitpur.

Shrestha scored a free kick to put Machhindra in front in the 16th minute after Church Boys defender Franklin Kuete Talla challenged Bimal Gharti Magar outside the penalty box.

Dhimal furthered the advantage five minutes before the break, pouncing on a mistake from Gagan Deep Singh.

Church Boys found some breathing space in the 66th minute, thanks to an own goal from Tshring Gurung, who put into his own net while attempting to clear a cross from Deep Singh.

But Machhindra held on to the lead to book a spot in the first edition of the national football championship.

Machhindra will play the winners of the quarter-final between hosts KP Oli Club and Jawalakhel Youth Club.

Earlier, Army beat New Road Team (NRT) 5-4 on penalties after the regular 90 minutes ended in a 1-1 stalemate.

NRT took the lead in the 32nd minute after Indian forward Lalminzama stunned the departmental giants with a brilliant finish.

But Dipak Gurung headed in a free kick from Jagajeet Shrestha soon after the break to push the match into penalties.

Bikesh Kuthu saved the second penalty from Stephane Junior that turned out to be the difference in the shootout.

Army will face Satdobato Youth Club in the semi-final on Sunday.