Nawayug Shrestha and Bharat Khawas scored a goal each to steer Tribhuvan Army Club (TAC) into the semi-finals of the Aaha-Rara Gold Cup football tournament with a 2-0 win over Jhapa XI on Monday.

The Army team kept Jhapa under pressure constantly from the beginning with goalkeeper Kishor Giri denying Shrestha’s headed attempt early in the eighth minute. Four minutes later Yogesh Gurung shot wide of the target for Jhapa after a Buddha Chemjong set up. Santosh Tamang also came close to scoring from a freekick in the 13th minute but his shot sailed inched high of the bar.

However, Army’s pressure finally told one minute after the resumption as Shrestha headed in a cross from Tamang. Rabi Thapa Magar almost levelled the scores for Jhapa in the 57th minute only for goalkeeper Bikesh Kuthu to deny him the goal. TAC skipper Khawas doubled the tally in the 70th minute, the striker taking the ball from midfield before firing in at the far post.

Army coach Nabin Neupane praised his team’s performance. “Early goals always bring in confidence in players but we had to wait until the second half for the first goal,” said Neupane. “But still we played with confidence and recorded easy win.” Jhapa coach Sanjay Rai blamed the defeat to the missed chances. “Lack of coordination was key to our defeat as we failed to convert chances that came our way,” said Rai. TAC will take on hosts Sahara FC in the semi-finals on Wednesday. Sankara Club will play Narayangunj FC of Bangladesh on Tuesday.