Tribhuvan Army Club fought their way back twice to beat Nepal APF Club 4-2 and book a semi-final berth in the 10th Simara Gold Cup football tournament at the Simara Stadium on Sunday.

In the clash of departmental teams the Army team, who were coming straight after winning the Bishal Gold Cup title in Birgunj on Saturday, fell to a 33rd minute goal from Rajan Gurung. But winger Tanka Basnet equalised in the 43rd minute to go into the break with a 1-1 deadlock.

Ashish Lama restored the lead for the APF two minutes after restart capitalising on a shot parried by Army custodian Bikesh Kuthu. Army yet again levelled the scores from a 76th minute goal from Dipak Gurung. The Army team then took the lead for the first time in the game when Sudil Rai struck four minutes from time. Basnet added more salts to the APF wounds when he scored for the second time in the stoppage time. Dipak Gurung of Army team won man-of-the-match award and earned Rs 10,000. Gurung was also rewarded another Rs 10,000 by the tournament organisers Nawa Janajagriti Youth Club for playing in all 10 editions of the tournament.

APF coach Ratna Maharjan rued on the missed chances. “We failed to utilise too many scoring chances. We squandered four easy opportunities. Taking safe approach after taking lead turned fatal for us,” said Maharjan. Army coach Nabin Neupane said his side had planned to score on a counter attack and their strategy resulted in allowing the opponent to score the first goal. “We played with more intensity in the latter half and were able to score goals,” said Neupane.

The Khaptad Gold Cup champions Nepal Police Club will take on Himalayan Sherpa Club on Monday.