Pokhara, February 21:

Defending champions African United beat Dharan Football Club 3-2 in the fifth Aaha Golf Cup football tournament here at the Pokhara Stadium on Wednesday.

Pompayo’s goal in the fourth minute of the second half injury-time rescued the defending champions from the brink of early exit. Muratali Ali and Ogaga scored for the African United while Laxmi Shrestha and Yogesh Shrestha converted for the Dharan FC.

Muratali put the African team ahead early in the sixth minute before Laxmi equalised in the 11th minute on a headed pass from Yoshikiro Shiraishi. The African United regained their lead when Ogaga scored in the 66th minute. Yogesh then came up with a spectacular freekick to level the scores nine minutes from time. Khagendra Khadka of the Dharan FC was declared the man of the match.

“Luck was against us,” said Dharan FC coach Milan Shrestha adding that African United took advantage of their goalkeeper’s height. “I am happy that we were able to hold the defending champions for 90 minutes,” coach Shrestha added.

African United coach James praised the performance Dharan FC. “My players were not up to their potential,” he added.

Tarun Sangh of Kolkata will take on Himalayan Sherpa Club of Kathmandu on Thursday.