DHARAMSHALA, June 8: The four teams that have made to the semi finals of the 21st Gyalyum Chenmo Memorial Gold Cup football tournament after four matches of quarter finals on Sunday and Monday are Pokhara Tashiling FC, TDL Bylakupee, Doeguling Mundgod FC and Dhasa United FC.
Pokhara Tashiling defeated Delhi FC to enter the semi finals while TDL Bylakuppee beat Kollegal FC by 4 goals to book a berth in the semis. Pokhara Tashiling conceded first but quickly equalized through an own goal by a Delhi defender.
Delhi United then trailed by a goal after Pema Lhundup of Pokhara hit a powerful volley from a cross from Norbu Dorjee. Delhi tried their best to equalize in the second half with several missed chances. Delhi FC were rewarded for their perseverance with a nice goal from right flank. The match entered into extra time of 10 mins each. In the first half of extra time Delhi FC defender fouled Norbu Dorjee who fell into the drainage on the sideline. The referee immediately awarded a freekick to Pokhara for the foul. Norbu Dorjee scored arguably the best goal of the tournament with the freekick sending a curling ball right past the Delhi FC custodian. There was very little Delhi could do in the second half of the extra time.
In the second quarters, TDL Bylakupee thrashed their southern neighbors Kollegal FC by 4 goals. TDL Bylakupee will face Pokhara Tashiling, the defending champions in the first semi finals tomorrow.
Doeguling FC Mundgod, dubbed as the dark horse of the tournament by many, beat Europe FC by a solitary goal from their forward Tenzin Choezin in the early minutes of the game. Europe FC, which had some former Tibetan National Team members, created some brilliant chances but failed to capitalize. Mundgod will play Dhasa United in the second semi finals. Dhasa United scored first against Gulathala to take an early lead in the game but Gulathala equalized shortly after.
The game went into extra time with Gulathala FC making several futile attempts at goal. The match went into extra time and the score remained tied. The game then went into penalty shootout. Gulathala’s first spot kick taker hit the woodwork putting their goalkeeper under pressure. Dhasa scored all their penalties while Gulathala missed another kick which was stopped by the Dhasa custodian.
Dhasa will play against Mundgod FC tomorrow.
