Pokhara, January 27:

Dhruba Ghimire scored a brace and Bishnu KC added another as hosts Sahara Club eased to a 3-0 win over Rupandehi-XI in the inaugural match of the seventh Aaha Gold Cup here today.

Ghimire headed home to give the hosts the lead six minutes into the second half. Ghimire, who was later adjudged man of the match, doubled the tally in the 69th capitalising on a pass from skipper Jaya Thapa. KC ensured Sahara advance to the quarter-finals by adding third goal two minutes from time.

Sahara coach Kiran Shrestha said that they could have scored more goals but the change of balls made them hard to score. “The ball used this year is lighter than the ones we have been practicing with,” reasoned Sahara coach. Sahara will meet Belgharia Sporting Club of Kolkata in quarter-finals on Saturday.

“We could not perform today and luck was also against us,” said Rupandehi coach Yam Gurung. Gurung also added that they squandered too many opportunities. Earlier, National Sports Council member secretary Jeevan Ram Shrestha inaugurated the tournament participated in by 12 teams. New Road Team will play Nepal Army Club on Wednesday.