Pokhara, February 26:

Influential Nigerian striker Nurudeen Olawale Salau’s 88th minute strike gave Manang Marsyangdi Club (MMC) a 2-1 win over Gyenendra Armed Police Force (APF) Officers’ Club in the quarter-finals of the fourth Aaha Gold Cup Football Tournament here today.

Local hero Ritesh Khadka gave MMC a lead in the 35th minute through a header following Basanta Gauchan’s pass, but Ganesh Lawati headed home the equaliser off skipper Jibesh Pandey’s pass 14 minutes into the second half.

Salau found the winner in the 88th minute utilising Ritesh Khadka’s header after Basanta Gauchan provided an acute cross from right flank. Defending champions MMC, played without skipper Kumar Thapa, Tashi Tsering, Nabin Neupane, Sagar Thapa and goalie Bikash Malla, who are on national team duty.

APF goalkeeper Samit Rajbhandari foiled several attempts made by Salau, Gauchan and Bimal Karki while APF, on the other hand, hardly succeeded to pierce through the strong MMC defence. Gauchan was adjudged the man of the match. On Monday, Night Chess Club will play Eastern Railway Kolkata.