The departmental team Nepal Police Club has reached the finals of Aha-Rara Pokhara Gold Cup football for the 11th time. Police reached the final of the 24th edition after defeating 'A' Division League winners Church Boys United 1-0 at Pokhara Stadium on Wednesday.

Six-time champions Police celebrated when Sanjeev Lama scored the decisive goal in the 250th match of the tournament. He scored in the 58th minute and the police maintained the lead until the end.

Church Boys' Raj Bhusal cleared the ball and Sanjeev's volley shot from 25 yards was not saved by goalkeeper Tikendrasingh Thapa. That excellent goal became the deciding factor and the police advanced in the title journey. Sanjeev was adjudged player of the match. 

In the first half of the game, both teams could not create scoring opportunities. In the ninth minute, Rohan Karki's header from Church Boys' Naveen Lama's free-kick deflected off his own player. In the 21st minute of the game, Ujjwal Rai's free kick of Police reached the opponent's post but was saved by goalkeeper Tikendra. 

1-0 down in the second half, Church Boys won a corner in injury time. Goalkeeper Tikendra also reached the opponent's post to make a last effort. He met Rohan's corner. The opportunity to equalize was lost as his shot from the box did not hit the frame. 

In reaching the finals for a record 11th time, Police defeated hosts Sahara Club in the opening match and Brigade Boys Club UK in the quarter-finals to set up the semi-finals. The Church Boys defeated NRT in the pre-quarters and the former champions Tribhuvan Army in the quarter-finals to advance to the semi-finals. Last year in the quarter finals they beat Church Boys 1-0 against Police. In the 22nd edition of the tournament, Church Boys defeated Police 2-1 in the pre-quarterfinals.  It was Police's 50th game in the

ing tournament. So far, Manang Marsyangdi has played the most 52 games. This time, Manang is not participating. Police, who won the title in 2058 when it was the Caravan Gold Cup, later won the title six times with a hat-trick when the same tournament was renamed the Aha Gold Cup. Police have participated in the tournament in all but 063 out of 24 years.