Pokhara is set to witness an intense showdown as defending champions Tribhuvan Army Club go head-to-head with Church Boys United in the third quarterfinal of the 24th Aaha Rara Pokhara Gold Cup. The match will kick off at 2:30 PM on 10th February at Pokhara Stadium.
Battle for a Spot in the Semifinals
Church Boys United, the reigning A Division League champions, fought hard to reach this stage. They secured a dramatic victory over NRT in a sudden death penalty shootout to book their place in the quarterfinals. Meanwhile, Army Club, as the defending champions, enjoyed a bye and advanced directly to this round.
A Rivalry Renewed
This matchup marks the second consecutive year these two sides are meeting in the Aaha Rara Gold Cup. Last year, they clashed in the semifinals, where Army edged past Church Boys with a 2-1 victory before defeating Three Star Club in the final to claim the title.
Key Players to Watch
Army will be led by national team forward Gillespye Jung Karki and features a strong squad, including seasoned internationals like Bikesh Kuthu, Nawayug Shrestha, Dinesh Henjan, and Bimal Pandey. Recent national team debutant Nirajan Dhami will also be part of the lineup, while Gillespye’s elder brother, George Prince Karki, has rejoined the team for this tournament.
Church Boys Strengthen Their Squad
Church Boys United enter this match after finishing as runners-up in the Budha Subba Gold Cup. Key players such as national team defender Ananta Tamang, midfielder Rohan Karki, and Samir Tamang missed their first match of the Aaha Rara Gold Cup due to their participation in the Budha Subba tournament. However, they are expected to return for this crucial quarterfinal, boosting Church Boys’ chances against the defending champions.
Grand Finale and Prize Money
The highly anticipated final will take place on Falgun 3 (mid-February), with a lucrative prize at stake. The champions will take home NPR 1.2 million, while the runner-up will receive NPR 601,000.
With both teams determined to make it to the next round, fans can expect a thrilling and fiercely contested battle in Pokhara.
