BIRATNAGAR: Defeating the defending champions Letang Football Club in a penalty shootout, the Koshi Province Police Office, Biratnagar, has entered the semifinals of the 6th edition of the Mills Gold Cup Football Tournament.

In the match held at the Biratnagar Jute Mill grounds, the Police team defeated Letang with a 4-3 margin in the shootout.

The winner was decided via penalties after the regulation 90 minutes ended in a 1-1 draw.

During the shootout, Ramesh Rajbanshi, Sabin Rai, Hem Tamang, and Sanjeev Limbu scored for Police, while their teammate Samir Limbu’s shot was saved by Letang’s goalkeeper, Amrit Chhetri.

For Letang, only Niraj Pariyar, Sudip Shrestha, and Sulen Tamang converted their penalties.

Letang’s Sagar Tiwari shot wide, and Umesh Karki’s final strike was brilliantly saved by Police goalkeeper Sachin Chaudhary to secure the victory.

Goalkeeper Chaudhary was declared the ‘Player of the Match’ for his decisive save and received a cash prize of Rs 2,100.

Earlier in the game, Krishna Gurung gave Police an early lead in the 2nd minute, scoring off a pass from Sanjay Chaudhary. Under pressure, Letang fought back to equalize in the 34th minute when Anup Magar scored assisted by Prithvi Chaudhary.

Though both teams created further opportunities, neither could break the deadlock before the final whistle.

With this defeat, the defending champions Letang have been eliminated from the tournament in their opening match.

The next fixture will feature a clash between the Armed Police Force (APF) Pakali, Sunsari, and TWCY Biratnagar.