By Anjan Khadka , Kaski, Apr. 11 : Sankata Club clinched the 19th Aaha Rara Gold Cup Football Tournament thrashing African Roots Association 4-2 in the tiebreaker at Pokhara Stadium, Kaski on Saturday.

The Kathmandu based Football Club Sankata lifted the Aaha Rara Gold Cup title for the first time in their history. The match headed into the spot-kick battle after both teams ended 1-1 in the regular 90th minutes and extra 30th minutes.

Amit Tamang, Subash Gurung, Niraj Basnet and Aayush Ghalan netted one goal apiece in the spot-kick battle for the Sankata. African shot stopper and Captain Da Sylvio warded off his counterpart Saroj Dahal’s penalty.

Similarly, Sankata’s Goalie Raja Babu Thapa made a brilliant save to the penalty off African Mbakop and Kuete shoot outside the frame for African Roots. Yanick and Rim scored one goal apiece for the victim African Roots. 

Sankata’s goalie Raja Babu Thapa was declared the Best Players of the tournament for his remarkable performance. Goalie Thapa, who was also adjudged best keeper, received Aprilia Scooter. 
Sankata’s Niraj Basnet received the Best Defender award while Rim of African Roots was declared the Best Mid-fielder of the tournament.

Meanwhile, Basscek of African Roots was named the best striker and his coach Serge Boris was announced the best coach of the tournament. All the best players received Rs 25,000 each respectively. 

Buddha Bal Tamang of Nepal Police Club (NPC), Glory of Sankata, Moussa of African Roots Association and his teammate Basscek jointly received the highest goal scorer award. NPC was honoured with the Fair Play Award.

Earlier, Moussa put the African team ahead in the match as he scored in a one-versus-one condition after beating Sankata’s defender inside the box. Sankata’s striker Glory rescued his team as he levelled the score 1-1 in the 51st minutes utilizing the long pass off his goalie Raja Babu Thapa.

With the trophy, Sankata bagged the Rs. 1.1 million while the visitor’s team African Roots satisfied with Rs. 50, 1000.