Himal Press 
POKHARA: Five-time champions Three Star Club advanced to the semifinals of the 24th Aha Rara Pokhara Gold Cup, defeating Machhindra Football Club 4-2 in a thrilling penalty shootout at Pokhara Stadium on Sunday.
The match went to the tiebreaker after 90 minutes of regulation time and 30 minutes of additional time failed to separate the two sides. Three Star Club successfully converted their first four penalties, while substitute goalkeeper Sarin GC, brought in specifically for the shootout, saved Machhindra’s fourth penalty taken by Aditya Shakya. Machhindra’s Bishal Ghalan had earlier missed the first penalty as his shot hit the woodwork.
For Three Star, Dipesh Ghale, Fode Fafana, Biraj Maharjan and Laxman Ruchal scored from the spot. Machhindra’s Diwakar Chaudhary and Sanish Shrestha managed to convert their penalties, but it wasn’t enough to secure the win.
Three Star Club will now face the winner of the quarterfinal match between Uzbekistan’s Black Bulls FC and India’s Thunderbolt North United in the semifinals.
Having previously lifted the Pokhara Gold Cup in 2007, 2011, 2013, 2015, and 2019, Three Star Club is the tournament’s second most successful team. The Patan-based side was defeated in the final of the 2024 edition.
Nepal Police Club, which secured a spot in the semifinals by defeating the UK’s Brigade Boys FC 2-0 on Saturday, is the most successful side in the Pokhara Gold Cup with six titles.
