Pokhara, February 25:

Manang Marsyangdi Club (MMC) beat defending champions African United 3-1 in the quarter-finals of the fifth Aaha Gold Cup football tournament here at the Pokhara Stadium today.

MMC — who won the third edition of the tournament — also avenged their last year’s defeat by the African United in the final. Nurudeen Salau, local lad Anil Gurung and Raj Kumar Ghising scored a goal each for MMC while Muratali Ali pulled one back for the defending champions.

African striker Nurudeen put MMC ahead early in the 11th minute when he converted a pass from Nirajan Khadka. Anil Gurung doubled the tally in the 24th minute before Ghising scored third in the 33rd minute beating an off side trap. Ali replied for African United in the 42nd minute. Michael Bassey of MMC won the man of the match award.

African United coach James Ikpason blamed the slippery pitch condition for their loss. “Our players are not used to play in such slippery conditions,” James said.

MMC coach Chhiring Lopsang Gurung said that he was expecting to win the match by even wider margin. “We were unable to display our real game due to the slippery field,” said Gurung, adding that their opponents were physically tough but technically down to MMC.

Armed Police Force (APF) Team will play against Tarun Sangh of Kolkata in Monday’s quarter-finals.