In Butwal, Nepal APF Club ended the eight-game losing streak with a 1-0 victory over Shere FC of Kalimgpong in the opening match of the 19th Tilottama Golf Cup at the ANFA Technical Centre grounds in Devinagar.

With the victory, APF — who were yet to register a victory since winning the gold medal in the seventh National Games in Dharan in December last year, advanced to the quarter-finals.

Saroj Koirala scored the solitary goal of the match for the departmental side who were eliminated from the first round in eight tournaments held in different parts of the country. Koirala found the back of the nets in the 21st minute. APF will now face hosts Agni Rupandehi-XI for a place in the last four. On Friday, Tribhuvan Army Club will play against Sikkim United of India.

A total of 10 teams — Dharan FC, Rumpum Jhapa-XI, Agni Rupendehi-XI, APF, Tribhuvan Army Club, Nepal Police Club, CMG Club Sankata, Himalayan Sherpa Club, Share FC and Sikkim United — are taking part in the tournament, which is sponsored by Agni Cement. The winner will receive Rs 555,555.