Nepali international Nirajan Khadka-inspired hosts Kakadbhitta Football Training Centre pipped Himalayan Sherpa Club 1-0 in the quarter-finals of the Kakadbhitta Gold Cup football tournament on Monday.

Khadka gave 22nd minute lead with a curling freekick from the edge of box to book a semi-final berth. The hosts were awarded the freekick after Saed Mogan fouled Aaron. Kakadbhitta will meet top-tier giants Manang Marshyangdi Club, who edged past Rupandehi XI in sudden death on Saturday, for a place in the final.

Sherpas were denied the goal in the 33rd minute when Kakadbhitta custodian Allan Neupane punched out Binod Gurung’s strike to safety. Five minutes later, Kakadbhitta captain Khamir Gilson Kandangwa missed out on added to his team’s tally by firing wide of the target. Sherpas came up with an improved show after the break but still could not break the stubborn Kakadbhitta defence. In the 48th, a shot from Nishan Limbu was denied by Sherpas goalkeeper Arpan Karki and four minutes later Saujan Rai shot wayward for Sherpas.

Himalayan Sherpa coach Sugan Tandukar blamed the playing surface for their defeat. His Kakadbhitta counterpart Pem Norbu Sherpa was also unhappy with his boys despite winning the match. “We should have scored more goals but for poor coordination of players,” said Sherpa. The goal scorer Khadka was named man-of-the-match and won Rs 10,000.

Nepal Police Club will take on Tribhuvan Army Club in the battle of departmental teams on Tuesday.