African team Dauphins Family of Cameroon entered the semi-finals of the fifth Mai Valley Gold Cup football tournament defeating Nepal Armed Police Force (APF) Club 3-1 here on Thursday.
It was third loss for the youngest departmental side at the hands of Dauphins who had defeated APF during the Pokhara Cup and Budha Subba Gold Cup football tournaments prior to Thursday. Petanga scored twice for Dauphins who are now inching towards their fourth title of Nepali knockout football tournaments.
Dauphins, a group of African footballers, have so far won the Pokhara Cup, Budha Subba and Tilottama Gold Cup. Mesuke gave Dauphins an early 14th minute lead and three minutes later Petanga made it 2-0. Hari Karki replied in the 36th minute to reduce the deficit but Dauphins were still on the edge when the second half began.
Petanga struck the third and his second goal in the 57th as APF, who took to the field without four regular starters, were unable to stage fightback in the game. APF coach Sudeep Shrestha was furious over the assistant referee for allowing a goal that actually had not crossed the goalline. "It was clearly not a goal. When you have to concede your first goal in this fashion, it would be difficult for us to play with a high morale," said Shrestha referring to Mesuke's first goal of the match. APF players had promptly shown resentment against the decision which ultimately stood.
Dauphins will now take on another departmental team Nepal Police Club in the semi-finals. Dauphins are so far unbeaten in their previous three meetings in the knockout football tournaments. On Friday, Tribhuvan Army Club will take on Kakadvitta Football Training Centre of Jhapa in tournament's last quarter-final match.