Pokhara, February 1:

Bikrant Shrestha scored the winner as Nepal Army Club rallied for a 2-1 victory over Nepal Armed Police Force (APF) Club in the quarter-final of the seventh Aaha Gold Cup at the Pokhara Stadium today.

The APF Club took an early first-minute lead when Ganesh Lawati scored on a pass from Durga Lawati. The Armymen were made to wait until the 72nd minute for the equaliser. Mahendra Khawas drew level following a set up by Bhojraj Ghimire. Bikrant then headed home the decider seven minutes from time. Chun Bahadur Thapa was declared the man of the match. Nepal Army Club will play the semi-final match on February 5 against the winners between BN Sporting Club of Bangladesh and Sahara UK.

APF coach Dambar Singh Gurung blamed the defeat

partly to his own players and partly to the referee. “I told them to adopt offensive strategy throughout the game but they switched to defending after the early goal,” said Gurung. Gurung was also furious that referee did not award them the penalty.

Nepal Army coach Raju Kaji Shakya expressed satisfaction over the result. “We made right substitute at the right time,” added Shakya indicating that his tactical move turned out to be crucial.

Nabil Three Star Club will take on defending champions Nepal Police Club in Monday’s quarter-final match.