Hosts Sahara Club made a convincing start to the 14th Aaha-Rara Gold Cup football tournament, winning 3-0 against Nawa Janajagriti Club here at the Pokhara Stadium on Tuesday.

Elvis, Gim Martial and Kamal Thapa scored for the hosts to send the club from Simara crashing out of the knockout tournament. It was a sweet revenge for Sahara, who had crashed out of the first round after losing to the same opponents in tie-breaker last year. 

“It’s always a pressure game for the hosts, especially when its the inaugural match,” said Sahara coach Kiran Shrestha. “It was a satisfying result even though as we should have added a few more goals.”

Elvis opened the scoring early in the sixth minute, taking the ball almost from the midfield before blasting past Nawa Janajagriti goalkeeper Ravi Thapa. Sahara, however, were made to wait for another 52 minutes to double their tally. Martial headed in from close following a corner in the 58th minute. Thapa completed the rout adding the third goal for the hosts, beating goalkeeper in one versus one encounter seven minutes from time. Elvis was named man-of-the-match. Nawa Janajagriti coach Umesh Shrestha said luck was against his team. “We missed out on scoring at least three scoring opportunities which changed the complexion of the game,” said Shrestha. 

The eventual champions earn Rs 501,001 and the runners-up Rs 251,001. In all, 12 teams including six ‘A’ Division clubs, three district teams and three foreign invitees are participating in the tournament. Three Star, Manang Marshyangdi, Nepal Police, Tribhuvan Army and Nepal Armed Police Force (APF) Club are the top-tier clubs from Kathmandu. Jhapa XI is the third district team after Sahara and Nawa Janajagriti. Gorkha Brigade Team of Indian Army, United Sikkim FC and Rahamadgunj MF Society, Bangladesh are the foreign invitees.

The best player of the tournament will get a scooter, while the best goalkeeper, defender, midfielder, striker and coach along with the Fair Play Team will pocket Rs 15,000 each. The leading scorer of the tournament will also get Rs 25,000. Gorkha Brigade will take on APF Club on Wednesday.