Church Boys United Defeat NRT in Sudden Death to Reach Aaha-Rara Pokhara Gold Cup Quarterfinals
Church Boys United secured their spot in the quarterfinals of the ongoing 24th Aaha-Rara Pokhara Gold Cup by defeating NRT in sudden death. The match, held at Pokhara Stadium on Thursday, ended in a 1-1 draw after regulation and extra time, leading to a penalty shootout that extended to sudden death.
Tikendra Singh Thapa: The Hero in Penalty Shootout
Church Boys’ goalkeeper Tikendra Singh Thapa emerged as the hero, saving three penalties to help his team advance. The regulation 90 minutes ended in a 1-1 draw, pushing the match into extra time. However, both teams failed to score during the additional 30 minutes, leading to a penalty shootout, which ended 4-4, necessitating sudden death.
For Church Boys, Navin Lama, Milan Rai, Akins Baffour, and Abayomi Fakunle successfully converted their penalties, while Sakal Regmi’s shot went over the crossbar. On the other hand, NRT’s captain Anjan Bista, Jay Gurung, Sumit Shrestha, and goalkeeper Bishal Sunar all scored, while Angel Maharjan missed his attempt.
Thrilling Sudden Death
In sudden death, Church Boys’ Prashant Laksham scored, but NRT’s Rajiv Lopchan equalized. Then, Bishal Sunar saved Church Boys’ Sarge Dhika’s penalty, while Tikendra Singh Thapa denied NRT’s Janmajay Dhami.
Church Boys’ Raj Bhusal’s penalty was saved by Bishal Sunar, but Tikendra Singh Thapa once again proved to be the difference by saving NRT’s Richard Wilson’s shot. Taking matters into his own hands, Thapa stepped up to take a penalty himself and successfully converted it. He then saved Michael Magar’s penalty to secure the victory for his team. For his outstanding performance, Thapa was named Player of the Match.
Goals in Regulation Time
NRT took the lead in the 25th minute when Richard Wilson tapped in a rebound after Church Boys’ goalkeeper Tikendra Singh Thapa fumbled a shot from Kritishratna Chhunzhu.
Church Boys United equalized in the 64th minute through a penalty. Navin Lama confidently converted the spot-kick after NRT’s Naren Chaudhary fouled Manish Jarga Magar inside the penalty box.
Upcoming Matches
As the A Division League champions, Church Boys United will face Tribhuwan Army Club in the quarterfinals on Magh 28. Meanwhile, Thunderbolt North United from India will take on Sankata Club in Friday’s fixture.
