Super-Sub Dikshang Rai Sinks Kanchanjunga as Semi-Final Fixtures Set
KAKARVITTA — Dikshan Rai proved the difference-maker at Kakarvitta Stadium, coming off the bench to fire Redhorse FC Ilam to a gritty 1-0 victory over Kanchanjunga FC Siliguri in Match 4 of the Dibyajyoti Kakarvitta Champions Cup 2083. In a high-stakes regional showdown defined by tactical skirmishes and physical duels, Rai broke the deadlock just nine minutes after his introduction. Redhorse then sealed its place in the next round, setting up a second semi-final clash against Birtamode on Shrawan 14. The first semi-final will see APF Pakali challenge Urlabari Morang Football Team on Shrawan 13. The opening half unfolded as a tense battle for control in midfield. Kanchanjunga sought to establish rhythm, but Redhorse disrupted their buildup with aggressive, high-energy pressing. That intensity spilt over in the 30th minute when Redhorse defender Bibek Sunwar saw yellow for a mistimed challenge. Despite energetic passages of play at both ends, neither side managed to breach the opposition defence before the break, sending the teams into the tunnel level after three extra minutes of stoppage time. Both managers turned to their benches early in the second half to break the stalemate. Sabin Magar entered for Redhorse in the 48th minute, and Kanchanjunga brought on Avishek Tamang for Lakpa Tamang on 50 minutes. The decisive change came in the 53rd minute when Redhorse introduced Amrit Rai and forward Dikshang Rai for Sange Sherpa.  The tactical gamble paid immediate dividends. In the 62nd minute, a cross from Sugam Khajum found Dikshan Rai unmarked. Rai capitalised on a defensive lapse inside the box, steering his strike past the goalkeeper to send the Redhorse supporters into raptures. Chasing the game, Kanchanjunga mounted an immediate response and refreshed their attack in the 68th minute with the simultaneous introduction of Kunal Gurung and Ayush Chhetri. Despite controlling long spells of the closing stages, Siliguri lacked the clinical edge required to dismantle Ilam's disciplined defensive block. Redhorse absorbed continuous late pressure across five minutes of second-half injury time. Even after Sabin Magar picked up a late yellow card in the 90+3rd minute during a desperate defensive stand, Ilam held firm until the final whistle to secure the clean sheet and a place in the semi-finals.
