Mechinagar, Kartik 5 — In a breathtaking display of skill and dominance, Samrat Sporting Club from Morang stormed into the 8th Rolling Challenge Cup semi-finals, hosted in Dhulabari, Jhapa. Samrat showcased a commanding performance as they triumphed over India’s Sukuna United FC with a 5-2 victory.

The third quarter-final match at Dhulabari Ma Bi Ground saw Samrat Sporting’s relentless attack overpower the visiting team from West Bengal. Umesh Karki was the show’s star, scoring twice, with goals in the 6th and 38th minutes. His impressive pace and clinical finishing put Samrat in firm control early on.

Bhuwan Basnet added to the tally in the 12th minute, while Dorje Tamang and Anjan Thakuri sealed the win with goals during extra time, ensuring their side’s place in the last four.

Sukuna United FC found the back of the net twice, with Shaurav Biswas striking in the 13th minute and Hemraj Bhujel in the 52nd minute, but it wasn’t enough to counter Samrat’s all-round dominance.

Hero of the Match
Umesh Karki’s two goals and assist earned him the coveted Player of the Match award, along with a trophy and a cash prize of Rs 5,000, presented by former Rolling Club president Shankar Basnet and local sports enthusiast Bishnu Budhathoki.

Up Next: Battle for the Final
The excitement continues tomorrow with the last quarter-final match between the Nepal Police team and Red Horse FC from Ilam. Both teams vie for a spot in the semis.

The tournament’s grand finale is scheduled for Kartik 10. The champion will receive Rs 3 lakh in prize money, while the runner-up will walk away with Rs 1.5 lakh, along with a trophy and medals. According to club chairman November Bikram Nembang, the tournament, organized by the Rolling Club, is expected to cost around Rs 40 lakh.

Samrat Sporting’s emphatic win today has set the stage for what promises to be an electrifying conclusion to the Rolling Challenge Cup.