Not being able to handle the last two minutes has deprived the host Redhorse FC of their dream of reaching the final of 1st NRNA Ilam Gold Cup.

The hosts were shocked in the semi-finals as they could not protect the initial lead taken against the visiting team New Road Team (NRT) from Kathmandu.

In today's competitive match, the host took the lead in the 42nd minute of the game. Captain Navayug Shrestha's goal maintained the lead until the 88th minute, but Ilam could not avoid defeat.

In the scheduled 90th minute match, the organizers could not manage the last two minutes, and Glory scored a goal for NRT and brought it back into the game. The draw was decided by sudden death.

Even in the tiebreaker, there was a 3-3 tie. In sudden death, when Ekaraj Budhathoki's shot was deflected, NRT's Rajeev Lopchan's shot was converted into a goal. With the same goal, NRT made the trip to the finals.

In the tie-breaker, Bishal Ghalan, Pikesh Loktam, Sharan Bikram Singh Basnet's shots turned into goals, but the shots of captain Navyug Shrestha and Chhiring Gurung were blocked by NRT goalkeeper Priso.

Similarly, NRT's Priso, Jaya Gurung, Sumit Shrestha's only shot turned into a goal, but Sanam Limbu's shot hit the cross bar and Glory's shot was blocked by Bivek Magar, the host's goalkeeper.

NRT's goalkeeper Priso, who participated in Ilam's tournament for the first time, became the man of the match. Suhang Nembang, head of NSL team Sporting Ilam, gave him 5,000 in cash.

Birtamod United of Jhapa will play the final semi-final match against Panchthar FC tomorrow (Thursday). The winning team of the Gold Cup will get a trophy along with 5 lakhs in cash.