Rajendra Rawal, Ganesh Lawati, Ranjan Bista and Prabin Syangtan scored a goal each in APF’s convincing victory that also saw them avenge a 4-3 tiebreaker defeat inflicted by Sinalchu during the Pathari Gold Cup a month earlier. Sinalchu, who played most of the second half with 10 men, are the Super League champions of Sikkim.

APF will now take on hosts Dharan Football Club in the semi-finals on Wednesday. Martin Bhutia pulled off a consolation goal for Sinalchu.

After a barren first half, APF came out all guns blazing in the second as they scored four goals past the visitors. Rawal provided APF a 49th minute lead, heading home a corner from Jhangbu Sherpa. With one goal down, Sinalchu were dealt a hammer blow when Khusen Magar was sent off for what appeared to be an unintentional punch on APF’s Santosh Shrestha.

Lawati made it 2-0 in the 67th minute with a superb solo effort, running with the ball from midfield to cut past Sinalchu defenders and firing home from inside the area. Two minutes later, Bista added more salt to Sinalchu wounds making it 3-0, utilising a pass from man-of-the-match Lawati. Bhutia provided a brief respite for Sinalchu scoring through a pass from Nima Tamang in the 79th minute.

The goal rejuvenated the Sikkim outfits and their players kept pressing for more goal but Syangtan put the issue beyond doubt scoring in the 84th minute. Sinalchu custodian marched forward leaving the post unattended for Syangtan to fire home the goal. APF coach Krishna Thapa said their target was to come with a bigger goal margin. “We were hoping to score five goals against them (Sinalchu) but we fell a goal short,” said Thapa. “I think we do not have many players who have the experience of playing for the national team.”

Sinalchu coach Amos Subba Limbu said playing with one man down right after the break had turned the course of the match. Manang Marshyangdi Club will square off against Munal Club of Jhapa on Tuesday.