Pokhara, January 20

CMG Club Sankata came from a goal down to beat Nepal Police Club 2-1 in the 15th Aaha Rara Gold Cup here at the Pokhara Stadium today.

Bishwo Adhikari and Anil Gurung scored a goal each for Sankata after Rabi Paswan had put the five-time champions NPC ahead in the match.

Paswan opened the scoring for NPC in the 35th minute and the departmental team maintained their lead in the first half. Sankata bounced back and scored two goals after the interval and made it to the quarter-finals.

Bishwo Adhikari converted a free kick into a goal in the 64th minute to level the tally, while while Anil Gurung, who replaced Sushil KC, struck three minutes from time to seal the victory for Sankata. Gurung found the back of the nets in rebound after Bishwo Adhikari's initial attempt was saved by NPC goalkeeper.

Adhikari was named the man-of-the-match and received Rs 3,000 sponsored by Sahara Hong Kong.

NPC coach Kumar Katwal was disappointed with the way his team played against Sankata. "NPC's performance is in declining phase as players looked weak in all aspects. Although first half was an average one, we played poor game in the second half," he said. Sankata coach Salyan Khadgi said his team performed better after the interval. "Our players put their full efforts in the second half and also played as per my direction," said Khadgi.

On Saturday, hosts Saraha Club of Pokhara will face Sikkim United FC of India in first quarter-final match.