The game headed toward a tiebreaker after the regulation time as well as the extra time ended in a goalless draw. Sahara UK´s custodian Dilip Chhetri emerged as the savior as he dived right to save Bikram Limbu´s spot kick to steer his team to victory.[break]
Sahara UK´s Nawal Gurung was adjudged the man of the match. He also scored a goal in the tiebreaker. Other players to score for Sahara UK were James Apps, Bahar Laxsmba, Eze Collins and Jazz S Chahal.
Sachindra Dhimal, Bishnu Gurung, Rajendra Tamang and Jaggunath Khadka scored the spot kicks for Rupandehi XI.
Sahara UK kept their opponents under pressure but they missed some good opportunities to score in the regular time. Nawal Gurung rattled the bar in the first half while Laxsmba´s good shot in the second half also hit the post. Meanwhile, Jaggunath Khadka´s well-taken free kick in the second half was punched by Sahara UK keeper Chhetri.
Rupandehi XI´s coach Yam Prasad Gurung said that their team lost because their first choice players, who are currently playing for the A division club Swayambhu, were not available for the match.
"The A division club did not release our key players. Our free fall will continue if we cannot get our key players --Ramesh Shahi, Lekhu Gurung and Nabin Gurung," he said.
Sahara UK´s manager Lal Kaji Gurung said he was satisfied with the performance although his team is not yet properly set. The players had some problem getting used to the ground, according to manager Gurung.
The quarterfinals will begin from Saturday. The hosts Sahara Club will take on Denzong Boys Football Club of India in the first quarterfinal match.
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