Pokhara, January 7

Skipper Sunil Bal scored in the extra time as Sankata Club won the title of the 22nd Aaha-Rara Gold Cup here at the Pokhara Stadium today.

Sankata defeated Bhutanese Youth Sports Club 3-2 riding on Bal's goal three minutes from the end to claim their second title in three years. At a time when the match was heading towards the penalty shootout, Bal produced the moment of brilliance in the 117th minute when he scored the winning goal following a pass from Stephen Binong.

The match was decided in extra time after both the teams were deadlocked at 2-2 in the regulation period - with all four goals coming in the first half. Sankata took 2-0 lead inside 35 minutes before the BYSC - a team from United States that has been taking part in the knockout tournaments in Nepal under the leadership of former national team member Pralay Rajbhandari - scored twice in space of eight minutes to level the scores.

Sankata took an early lead in the eighth minute when Suraj Jeu Thakuri found the back of the nets in rebound after BYSC goalkeeper Pujan Thapa Magar blocked Nishan Khadka's strike. Oloumou Messouke doubled the lead in the 35th minute following a corner kick from skipper Bal. BYSC reduced the deficit to 2-1 two minutes later when Rene Santillon found the back of the nets. Willis Griffith then headed home the equaliser in the second minute of the first half injury time.

Both the teams failed to score in the second half although they created a couple of chances. After a goalless first half in the extra time, Sankata skipper Bal netted the winning goal with only three minutes remaining in the match.

Sankata, who won the title of the 20th edition two years ago, received Rs 1.2 million, while BYSC got Rs 600,000.

Skipper Sunil Bal, who joined Sankata from Machhindra Football Club, was declared the best player of the tournament and he received a scooter.

Sankata also dominated the individual awards with Tikendra Thapa (goalkeeper), Ayush Ghalan (midfielder), Stephen Binong (forward), Oloumou Messouke (highest scorer) and Salyan Khadgi (coach) winning the honours. Hector Ortega of BYSC was named the best defender, while Dharan FC won the fair play award.

A total of 12 teams took part in the mofussil's prestigious knockout tournament organised by Sahara Club of Pokhara. National Sports Council Member Secretary Tanka Lal Ghising handed over prizes to the winners.

A version of this article appears in the print on January 8, 2023, of The Himalayan Times.