Pokhara, December 31

Defending champions Nepal APF Football Club advanced to the semi-finals of the 22nd Aaha-Rara Gold Cup here at the Pokhara Stadium today.

APF defeated Dharan Football Club 2-0 in the first quarter-final match of the prestigious tournament of mofussil.

Biku Tamang and Yuvaraj Khadka scored for APF in the first half. Tamang was later named the player-of-the-match.

Tamang opened the scoring in the 37th minute when he controlled the ball released from the centre of the pitch and slotted home with a cool finish to put APF ahead. The departmental side doubled the tally three minutes later when Khadka found the back of the nets.

APF, who won their maiden Aaha-Rara Gold Cup title last year, will face either fellow departmental side Tribhuvan Army Club or Sankata Club on Wednesday for a place in the final. On Sunday, reigning Martyrs Memorial 'A' Division League champions Machhindra Football Club will take on Church Boys United in the second quarter-final match.

A version of this article appears in the print on January 1, 2023, of The Himalayan Times.