Pokhara, January 1:

Hosts Sahara Club advanced to the quarter-finals with a 2-0 win over Rupendehi-XI in the inaugural match of the sixth Aaha Gold Cup Football Tournament here today.

Santosh Gurung and Anil Gurung ‘C’ scored for Sahara. Santosh scored from a free kick in the 29th minute after his teammate Raj Kumar Ghising was fouled just outside the penalty area. Anil doubled the tally six minutes from time.

Sahara have strengthened their squad by including Ghising of Jawalakhel Youth Club and Santosh Gurung of Ranipokhari Corner Team. Deepak Thapa of Rupendehi was declared the man of the match.

In all, 12 teams including top-flight clubs Nabil Three Star Club, NRT, Nepal Police Club and Armed Police Force (APF) Team are vying for the championship. The final is slated for January 12.

Earlier, National Sports Council member secretary Jeevan Ram Shrestha inaugurated the tournament. Speaking on the occasion Shrestha praised Sahara Club for organising the event in an otherwise ailing Nepali football in recent times.

On Wednesday, NRT will take on APF.