By Bootballer Desk • Football • Feb 05, 2025 13:58 PM • 245 views

Machhindra Football Club secured their spot in the quarterfinals of the Aaha Rara Pokhara Gold Cup in style, defeating departmental giants Nepal APF Club 2-0 in a thrilling encounter at Pokhara Stadium. A second-half masterclass from Aditya Shakya and Stephen Kamha sealed Machhindra's victory, setting up a high-stakes clash with Three Star Club to secure a place in the semifinals.
The match was played in front of an enthusiastic crowd. Both teams battled fiercely in the first half, with neither side able to break the deadlock. However, Machhindra turned up the heat after the break, showcasing their attacking prowess and tactical discipline.
The breakthrough came in the 74th minute when Aditya Shakya found the back of the net, sending the Machindra faithful into raptures. The goal injected fresh energy into the team, and just eight minutes later, Stephen Kamha doubled the advantage with a clinical finish, putting the game beyond APF's reach.
Machhindra's defence held firm in the closing stages, denying APF any chance of a comeback and ensuring a clean sheet. The victory highlights Machhindra's growing reputation as a formidable force in Nepali football and sets the stage for an electrifying quarterfinal showdown against Three Star Club.