Sankata Club of Kathmandu rallied from a goal down to beat defending champions Bijay Youth Club of Hetauda to reach the final of the eighth Simara Gold Cup on Wednesday. 

In an entertaining contest at the Simara Stadium, Bimal Rana Magar put Bijay Youth ahead scoring in 45 seconds before Sankata fought back through goals from Anil Gurung and Bishwo Adhikari. In the final, Sankata will play the winners of Thursday’s second semi-final match between Himalayan Sherpa Club and Tribhuvan Army Club. 

Sankata had no clue when Rana Magar struck from the box utilising a pass from Sunil Bal inside the first minute. The goal woke up Sankata from their slumber and Anil Gurung levelled the scores in the 27th minute after receiving a pass inside the danger area. Both team created a few goal scoring chances after the match was tied 1-1 but the first half ended all square. Sushil KC was close to giving Sankata the lead in the 70th minute but his corner hit the woodworks. Six minutes later, Rana Magar wasted a one-versus-one encounter with Sankata goalie Binay Shrestha. 

As the teams appeared destined for the 30-minute of extra time, Adhikari left Bijay Youth shell-shocked when he sensationally converted a corner kick into a goal. Adhikari was later adjudged the man-of-the-match. 

Bijay Youth goalkeeper Subin Ghimire rued the missed chances. “We paid the price for not being able to score in the chances that we created. In the dying moments of the game, our boys failed to hold firm,” said Ghimire. Sankata coach Salyan Khadgi said his side worked hard for the result. 

“We were under pressure after conceding an early goal in the game. But I appreciate our boys for keeping their calm which resulted in a place for the final,” said Khadgi.