Kathmandu, January 5
Bhutanese Youth Sports Club defeated Church Boys United 1-0 and advanced to the final of the 22nd Aaha-Rara Gold Cup here at the Pokhara Stadium today.
Rojit Prajapati scored the solitary goal of the match for the team from United States, who made their second appearance in the prestigious knock out tournament of the mofussil. The BYSC - who have been participating in the knock out tournaments of Nepal under the leadership of former national team member Pralay Rajbhandari - defeated the high-flying newly-promoted 'A' division outfit.
Prajapati found the back of the nets in the first half injury time and it was enough for the BYSC to make it to the final where they will meet Sankata Club, who defeated defending champions Nepal APF Football Club in the first semi-final match yesterday. The BYSC had beaten Manang Marshyangdi Club 1-0 in their previous match.
The United - who defeated Nepal Police Club 2-1 in extra time in the first match and stunned Martyrs Memorial 'A' Division League champions Machhindra Football Club 3-0 on their way to the last four - were reduced to 10 men after Ashish Chaudhary received marching orders in the 84th minute.
The final of the tournament, organised by Sahara Club Pokhara, is slated for Saturday. Top two teams will receive Rs 1.2 million and Rs 600,000 respectively.
A version of this article appears in the print on January 6, 2023, of The Himalayan Times.
