Lumbini FC and Tribhuvan Army Club (TAC) set the title clash of the Lalit Memorial U-18 Football Tournament with hard fought victories in the semi-finals at the Anfa Complex on Monday.

Lumbini beat Sankata 1-0 with an 86th minute winner from Mandeep Thapa. TAC wasted an early penalty but still managed to return with a 2-1 victory over Jhapa XI.

Skipper Abhishek Rijal hit the post in the 20th minute after TAC were awarded the penalty. Nine minutes later TAC were given an opportunity to make up for the miss when they were awarded another penalty. Dorje Tamang took the kick this time and shot straight to the keeper but he was lucky enough to get the ball back in rebound and made a cool finish with a low shot.

Prezen Tamang made it 2-0 seven minutes after the break. Jhapa brought themselves back in the game through Bishwahang Rai in the 69th minute but TAC protected the lead thereafter. TAC coach Chakra Tamang appreciated his boys’ performance but wanted them to improve.

“The boys gave a good performance today. They were quick and managed to put pressure on the opponents, but they lacked proper finishing. I believe they will improve and put on a good fight against Lumbini in the final,” said Tamang.

Jhapa coach Prabesh Katuwal said his boys succumbed to the experience of Army players. “My boys were actually intimidated from the very beginning as most of the players in Army squad are from Anfa Academy. The two penalties also put them under pressure,” said Katuwal.

Earlier in the first semi-final match, both teams squandered several scoring opportunities before Thapa struck the winner with four minutes left in the regulation time, cashing in on a cross from Tejendra Pun. Sankata coach Devendra Jung Shahi said luck was not with his side.

“We played the first half under pressure, but in the second we were able to create chances. I think we were also unlucky today as one of our attempts hit the upright and a lot of chances were wasted,” said the dejected Sankata coach.