Dauphins Family of Cameroon defeated Three Star Club 5-3 on penalties to set up the title clash with hosts Makwanpur XI in the Makwanpur Gold Cup football tournament on Thursday.

The fate of the winners were decided from the spot after the regulation period finished at 1-1 deadlock. All five penalty-takers converted for Dauphins while veteran forward Anil Gurung ended up firing wide for Three Star. Dauphins skipper Ngama Angoula, Wijak Wijik, Priso Njanga, Ahanda Essah and Yannick scored from the spot. Three Star’s Ranjit Dhimal, Mansa and Bijay Dhimal succeeded from the spots.   

Yannick broke the deadlock for Dauphins in the 62nd minute headed home a Wijak cross. But home-grown star Ranjan Bista restored the parity in the 70th minute capitalising on a poor coordination between Dauphins goalkeeper and defender. Three Star defender Jeevan Gurung was declared man-of-the-match and received Rs 10,000.

Three Star goalie Alan Neupane made some brilliant saves to deny Dauphins victory in the regulation period. Dauphins could have scored in the 43rd as Tina Tina’s strike smashed the upright. Three Star coach Meghraj KC said that he was happy with the performance of the team despite the defeat. KC even did not shy away pointing out on a rough game of their opponents. “Had not the referee been smarter many players would have ended up in hospital,” said KC.

Dauphins manager Ashik Thapa Magar said his team failed to kill off the game in normal time due to poor finishing. He was hopeful to come up with much improved game in the final on Saturday. The eventual champions will get Rs 800,000 and the runners up will walk away with Rs 400,000. The tournament is organised by Makwanpur District Football Association.