With the victory, Sahara Club has maintained its dream of repeating the title.
We use Google Cloud Translation Services. Google requires we provide the following disclaimer relating to use of this service:
This service may contain translations powered by Google. Google disclaims all warranties related to the translations, expressed or implied, including any warranties of accuracy, reliability, and any implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and noninfringement.
Sahara Club's home ground. Manang Marsyandi Club, which has had the most success, considers Pokhara its home ground. When these two clubs met in the semi-finals of the 25th Aha-Rara Gold Cup on Wednesday, the audience was divided. The supporters of both teams were equally divided on the parapet of the Pokhara Stadium. Hosts Sahara made it to the final with a sensational victory over Manang in a 'sudden death'.
When Sahara lifted the title for the first time in 2070, Manang was the runner-up. Having reached the final 13 times and tasted the title 6 times, Manang, while exiting the semifinals, reached the final after 12 years. This is Sahara's third final journey. Previously, it was defeated by Three Star in the final in 2069.
What a coincidence, in the quarterfinals of the current edition, Sahara had defeated the 6-time title winner Nepal Police Club in sudden death to secure a meeting with Manang. Sahara's goalkeeper Tikendra Thapa was the hero in both matches. Thapa's save was decisive as Manang stunned the strong contenders for the title, Marsyangdi Club, 7-6, in an exciting 'sudden death'.
After neither side scored a goal in the scheduled 90 minutes and the subsequent extra time, the match went to a penalty shootout. The game went to sudden death after the initial 5-5 shootout resulted in all goals. Sahara's Ashish Gurung and captain Sushil Lama scored more goals. After Manang's Thidian Nova Kiromi scored, captain Sabin Khadka came for a penalty. Pokharel fans celebrated after Tikendra Thapa blocked his shot, opening the door for the team to the final.
Although both teams devised an aggressive strategy on the field, the defense looked very strong. For Sahara, Taye Daniel Badaru became an iron wall in defense and made Manang's strikers defenseless, for which he even won the 'Player of the Match' award.
With this historic victory, Sahara Club has kept alive its dream of repeating the title. Jawalakhel Youth Club will face Uzbekistan's invited team Abha FC on Thursday. The winner of Thursday's match will face Sahara in the final on Saturday. This performance by the home team has further strengthened the possibility of the Gold Cup trophy remaining in Pokhara.
