Sports

Policemen claim third successive Aaha Gold Cup

Policemen claim third successive Aaha Gold Cup

By Rup Narayan Dhakal

POKHARA: A 115th minute goal from Yogesh Shrestha gave Nepal Police Club (NPC) their third successive Aaha Gold Cup title with a 1-0 win over Tribhuvan Army Club (TAC) here at the Pokhara Stadium today. The competitive final match headed towards the extra time after the regular 90 minutes ended on a goalless stalemate. Yogesh struck in the 25th minute of the extra time to bring fifth title for the departmental team of Nepal Police. The win meant TAC failed to avenge their last year's humilaiting 5-0 defeat inflicted by the Policemen. TAC coach Raju Kaji Shakya, who was later adjudged the coach of the tournament, rued the missed opportunities in the entire match.TAC squandered almost a dozen of opportunities which could have given them a comfortable win. NPC also pocketed a purse of Rs 150,000 along with the title of the eighth edition while TAC had to content for Rs 75,000. NPC glovesman Ritesh Thapa won a Yamaha Alba Motorcycle after he was declared the best player of the tournament along with the best goalkeeper's award to bag Rs 10,000. Bikarna Shrestha of TAC won the highest scorer's award with four goals to bag Rs 15,000 along with Rs 10,000 for being the best striker of the tournament. Machhindra Football Club took home Fair Play Team award. Deepak Bhushal of Manang Marshyangdi Club was declared the best defender and Yogesh of NPC was adjudged the best midfielder. All of them won Rs 10,000 cash prize. In all, 12 teams took part in one of the reputed tournaments held outside the Kathmandu valley, organised by the Sahara Football Club.