Nepal Armed Police Force (APF) Club got off to a triumphant start in the 19th Tilottama Gold Cup football tournament here on Thursday.

In the opening day match at the Anfa Technical Centre, APF defeated visiting side Share FC of Kalimpong 1-0 for a victory that put them into the quarter-finals. Saroj Koirala scored early in the 21st minute to put APF in the last eight. Koirala scored with a header making full use of a cross from Shyam Nepal. 

APF could have gone 2-0 up in the 69th minute but Milan Rai hit straight to Share goalkeeper Bibek Tamang in a penalty awarded after the latter tripped Ram Kumal inside the area. On Saturday, Tribhuvan Army Club will take on Sikkim United FC of India.

A total of 10 teams, including two from India are participating in the knock out tournament that offers a cash purse of Rs 555,555 to the eventual champions. The runners-up will get Rs 355,555.