Host KP Oli FC and Tribhuwan Army sail into semis

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Feb. 25: Host KP Oli Football Club and Tribhuwan Army FC advanced to the semi-finals of the 3rd KP Oli Cup Football Championship after winning their respective matches against New Road Team and Nepal Police Club on Monday.

In the first quarter-final match, Tribhuvan Army defeated Nepal Police 2-0. Nawuyug Shrestha and Dinesh Henjan were the goal scorers for the Army. 

Nawuyug opened the scoring in the 19th minute, directing a cross from Gillespie Jung Karki on the left wing into the goal with his first touch.

Nepal Police attempted to equalize, but their efforts were thwarted when Sanjeeb Lama's strike from outside the penalty area hit the crossbar in the 43rd minute. 

The Army doubled their lead in the 80th minute, with Dinesh converting a low cross from Nawuyug into the net. 

Prior to Dinesh's goal, Gillespie’s shot from a cutback by Nirajan Dhami was saved by goalkeeper Shatrughan Chaudhary, who fumbled the ball. Nawuyug seized the opportunity, passing it to Dinesh for the goal.

With this victory, the Army will face the winner of the Sankata and APF match in the semi-finals.

In the second quarter-final match, host KP Oli FC secured a 1-0 victory over New Road Team (NRT), earning their place in the last four. 

A solitary goal from Suraj Jeu Thakuri made the difference, as he capitalized on an unclear free-kick and struck the ball directly into the net from the penalty area.

In the other semi-final, KP Oli FC will take on the winner of the match between defending champion Machhindra FC and Transport United from Bhutan.