Himal Press 
POKHARA: Papa Ibou Kébé scored a hat-trick as Planning Boys United defeated Friends Club 4-0 on Friday to advance to the quarterfinals of the 25th Aaha Rara Pokhara Gold Cup.
Planning Boys took an early lead at the Pokhara Stadium, as Alex William scored from the spot in the 24th minute. Planning Boys were awarded the penalty after Yogesh Gurung of Friends Club handled the ball inside the box. Papa scored his first and his team’s second in the last minute of the first half.
Planning Boys dominated the second half as well, as Papa scored his second goal in the 54th minute and completed his hat-trick in the 81st minute.
Papa was declared Player of the Match and received Rs 10,000 along with a trophy.
Planning Boys will now meet the AVA Football Club from Uzbekistan in the fourth quarterfinal.
Quarterfinal matches will begin on Saturday. Hosts Sahara Club Pokhara will take on Nepal Police Club (NPC) at 3 pm on Saturday. NPC entered the quarterfinal via a walkover, while Sahara defeated Hong Kong’s Gorkha International in the pre-quarterfinal.
The tournament features 12 teams. The final will be played next Saturday at the Pokhara Stadium.
