Three Star defeat TAC, claim Aaha Rara Gold Cup crown

Players and officials of Ruslan Three Star Club celebrate after winning the 17th Aaha Rara Gold Cup in Pokhara on Saturday. Photo: THT

Pokhara, March 2

Ruslan Three Star Club won the title of the 17th Aaha Rara Gold Cup here at the Pokhara Stadium today.

Three Star defeated Tribhuvan Army Club (TAC) in sudden death to win the title for the fifth time. The match was decided on penalties after both the teams were deadlocked at 1-1 in regulation period and they scored one each goal  in extra time.

Tek Bahadur Budhathoki put TAC ahead in the fifth minute. But Three Star levelled the scores moments before the first half. Ranjit Dhimal converted from the spot after Deepak Gurung handled the ball inside penalty area. Both the teams failed to break the deadlock in second half. In extra time, both teams scored one each goal. TAC took lead through Bimal Pandey’s goal in 105th minute and Peter Segun scored the equaliser for Three Star seven minutes later.

Both the teams scored four goals each in tie-breaker. TAC skipper Bharat Khawas, George Prince Karki, Santosh Tamang and Tanka Basnet converted from the spot, while Bikesh Kuthu’s shot was saved by goalkeeper Alan Neupane.

Likewise, Ranjit Dhimal, Rupesh KC, Bikram Lama and Ananata Tamang were able to score for Three Star, whereas Sushil Rai shot wide.

And the match was decided in sudden death. Mikchen Tamang scored for Three Star but the shot from Bikash Khawas was saved by Three Star custodian Alan Neupane. Three Star were reduced to 10 men in 98th minute after Sunil Bal was expelled, while TAC also played with a man short when Ashish Shakya, who came in place of Sushil Angdambe despite not being in the players’ list, got marching orders.

With the title, Three Star received Rs 800,000, while runners-up TAC got Rs 400,000. TSC goalkeeper Alan Neupane declared the best player of the tournament and he received scooter. He was also declared the best goalkeeper as Three Star dominated the individual awards. Anil Gurung was the highest scorer of the tournament with three goals and he got Rs 25,000. Meghraj KC was named the best coach and he earned Rs 15,000.

Likewise, Nawayug Shrestha and Bimal Pandey of TAC were adjudged the best striker and defender respectively. They earned Rs 15,000 each. A total of 10 teams took part in the tournament organised by Sahara Club under the sponsorship of Himshree Foods Pvt Ltd.

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