Safal Cup – APF suffer Narrow Defeat against Pokhara XI

The second half decider from in-form Ashim Jung Karki sends Armed Police club out of the tournament.       

Newly appointed coach Krishna Thapa loses his first competitive match as APF head coach and his team gets knocked out of the tournament as Boys Union and Nepal U19 striker Ashim Jung Karki scores the sole goal in the game for Pokhara.

APF started the attack in the game, a fine cross from Ganesh Lawati in tenth minute of the game was not properly justified by Jangbu Sherpa early in the game, however any serious attack were not discovered later in the first half.

APF played attacking football while host city team could find them in some serious counter attacks. One of the mis-chance for Pokhara XI came just before the end of first half as Cedric failed to utilize one on one chance with opponent goal keeper as the half ended goal less.

APF remained superior in attacks in second half from the beginning; however the story turned over from a long ranger shot which came from the man of the match Ashim Jung Karki, as Pokhara could get the lead in 64th minute of the game. The lead was well enough to keep them in the tournament as the final whistle confirmed the goal as the winning one.