Sagarmatha Youth Club of Morang secured their place in the semi-finals of Taplejung Gold Cup thanks to a decisive goal from striker Sushil Rai.

The match saw Morang edge out Butwal Lumbini FC Rupandehi, with Rai's 18th-minute goal proving crucial.

During the third quarter-final of the tournament’s second edition, Butwal's goalkeeper Binay Shrestha initially managed to block a shot from Morang's Milan Rai. However, as the ball rebounded from Shrestha's hands, Sushil Rai was quick to capitalize, sending the ball into the net and sealing the victory for his team.

The spectators were in full support of Morang, as the Butwal squad, featuring foreign players, failed to deliver on their expected performance. Despite numerous opportunities, Morang could not add more goals. Ashok Khawas, the captain of Sagarmatha Youth Club, was named the man of the match for his pivotal role in the win and received a cash prize of 5,000 rupees.

With this victory, Sagarmatha Youth Club joins Sangharsh Sporting Youth Club Taplejung and Salhesh Youth Club Sirha in the semi-finals. The final quarter-final match will take place on Thursday, featuring Birthamod United FC of Jhapa against the departmental team Tribhuvan Army FC.

The Taplejung Gold Cup, which will conclude on Bhadra 10, will see the winning team take home a trophy and 500,000 rupees, while the runner-up will receive 250,555 rupees.