Niraj Remi Magar gave a lead to RCT in the 10th minute as he dribbled past two Birgunj players and scored from the six-yard. However, Lakhan Chaudhary of Birgunj leveled the score through a stunning 40-yard free kick. Birgunj had earned the free kick after Alexis Likeng fouled Birgunj captain Krishna Shakya in the 45th minute. [break]
Olawale Afeez utilized a pass from David in the 55th minute to take RCT again into the lead. However, RCT could not maintain the lead till the end. Likeng pulled down Shree Ram Chaudhary of Birgunj in the danger area in the injury time of the second half. Birgunj earned a penalty and man-of-the-match Krishna Shakya scored it to take the match into extra time.
RCT proved to be lucky as Laxman Chaudhary of Birgunj handled the ball in the danger area and referee awarded penalty kick to RCT in the last minute of the extra time. Ntolo Ngoumou scored from the spot to seal the victory.
Both the team finished with 10 men as RK Chaudhary of Birgunj and Alexis Likeng of RCT got marching orders in the match after two bookable offences.
Birgunj coach Ritu Shakya said his team performed up to its standard while RCT coach Baiju Kapali said his team failed to put up coordinated effort. Defending champion Yeti Himalayan Sherpa will lock horns with Workers Martyrs Memorial Club on Monday in the quarterfinal.
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