Chyasal Youth Club beat Sankata Club 2-0 to enter the quarter-finals of the Tilottama Gold Cup football tournament at the ANFA Technical Centre in Debinagar, Butwal, on Monday.

Chyasal’s foreign recruit Arman Bedon broke the deadlock four minutes after restart, capitalising on a skipper Amir Shrestha pass. Sajin Thapa Magar added another in the 53rd minute following a pass from Eavil. Chyasal’s Ahamad struck the woodwork thrice in the 40th, 62nd and 65th minute. Sankata’s Saroj Dahal also struck on goalpost in the 34th minute.

Avishek Limbu of Sankata was denied by Chyasal goalie Dinesh Thapa Magar in the 57th minute. Chyasal will take on Manang Marshyangdi Club in the quarter-finals on Thursday.

The outcome came as a huge blow for Sankata, the runners-up of the Martyrs Memorial ‘A’ Division League, who are chasing their first silverware of the season. They played in Khaptad Gold Cup in Dhangadhi, Simara Gold Cup and Budha Subba Gold Cup in Dharan among others but are never passed beyond semi-finals in any of those knockout tournament this season.  

Sankata skipper Rabi Silwal said his team failed to play to their potential due to lack of rest. “We have limited number of players and did not get sufficient rest after continuously participation in tournaments around the country,” said Silwal adding that his side fielded junior as well as injured players for the match.   

Chyasal coach Raju Kaji Shakya said his team had come into match with must-win approach. “But our players took time to adjust to the pitch conditions and could not play to their potential early on,” said Shakya, the former national coach and national team captain. “We changed players’ position and it worked wonders in the second half,” added Shakya.

Nepal Police Club will take on Darjeeling United on Tuesday.