Pokhara, March 4:

Abdul Gani struck twice as African United beat Mahendra Police Club (MPC) 2-0 in the final of the fourth Aaha Gold Cup here today.

The understrength Policemen did well to stop African United till the 80th minute, but failed in the last 10 minutes. The story could have been different had MPC’s Parbat Pandey and Bhola Nath Silwal not wasted easy scoring opportunities in the 16th and 25th minute. African United also missed few chances in the first half. Obagbemiro Junior shot wide in the 30th minute while MPC goalkeeper Mukunda Thapa saved Gani’s attempt two minutes later and denied Junior in the injury time.

Fed by Akushie, Gani put African United ahead beating two MPC defenders in the 80th and added another five minutes later scoring a spectacular goal from 25 yards. Afrcian United skipper Junior said that their opponent played better than they had expected. “We had to work hard because of our confidence to win the match easily,” Junior added.

MPC coach Yogumbar Suwal said they lost the game due to a minor mistake of his defender. “Our young players played really well,” he added.

ANFA president Ganesh Thapa and other presented awards to the players. Ananta Thapa of MPC was declared best player of the tournament and won Rs 20,000 while man of the match Ghani won highest goal scorer award of Rs 15,000. African United and MPC won Rs 75,000 and 50,000 respectively.