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KATHMANDU: Church Boys United has advanced to the semifinals of the Aha Rara Pokhara Gold Cup 2025 after defeating defending champions Tribhuvan Army Club 1-0 at the Pokhara Stadium on Monday.
Although the first half ended goalless, the second half was lively, with Tribhuvan Army Club creating a series of attacks. However, Church Boys United scored against the run of play in the dying minutes of the second half to secure a spot in the semifinal against Nepal Police Club.
Raj Bhusal scored the only goal of the match in the 89th minute, capitalizing on Navin Lama’s corner kick.
Church Boys United had entered the quarterfinals after defeating New Road Team (NRT) in an epic penalty shootout, where a total of 18 penalties were taken. Tribhuvan Army Club, which lifted the title last year, had received a direct entry into the quarterfinals.
Church Boys will now face Nepal Police Club in the first semifinal on February 12.
The winner of the tournament will receive a cash prize of Rs 1.2 million, while the first runner-up will take home Rs 600,000.