Himal Press 
POKHARA: Three Star Club has crashed out of the 24th Aha Rara Pokhara Gold Cup, conceding a 0-4 defeat against FC Black Bulls of Uzbekistan in the second semifinal at the Pokhara Stadium on Thursday.
The five-time champions found themselves on the back foot early when Kuvonchbek Olimov broke the deadlock in the 24th minute. The Uzbek attacker connected with Shavkatjon Sattorov’s cross and fired a power shot past the Three Star goalkeeper.
Although the Uzbek side created a series of attacks at Three Star post, it failed to extend the lead in the first half.
Three Star’s resistance, however, crumbled after the break. Asilbek Orfjunov doubled Black Bulls’ lead in the 58th minute with a clinical low drive after being set up by Slomjon Abdukodirov. Black Bulls took the match away from Three Star’s reach when Shavkatjon Sattorov showcased individual brilliance, weaving through Three Star’s defense before unleashing an unstoppable shot.
Sayidjamol Davlatjonov put the final nail in the coffin with a close-range finish in the 87th minute.
FC Black Bulls will meet six-time champions Nepal Police Club in the final on Saturday. For Three Star, it marks another disappointing end to their campaign, following last year’s final defeat to Tribhuvan Army Club.
