Defending champions and six-time winners Manang Marshyangdi Club were knocked out from the first round after they succumbed to a 1-0 defeat against Sankata Club in the Aaha-Rara Gold Cup football tournament in Pokhara on Monday.

Sankata's Guinean winger Fode Fofana scored the winner two minutes before the interval to send the champions packing and register their first ever victory over Manang in the tournament. On Sunday, Martyrs Memorial 'A' Division League champions Machhindra were knocked out by African Root Association with a 2-1 victory.

The victory also secured the Kathmandu-based 'A' division outfit a place in the semi-finals of the knockout tournament contested by eight teams. Sankata will meet Armed Police Force (APF) Club, who edged hosts Sahara Club in the opening match, in the semi-final on Wednesday.

Manang were a better side in the first half and kept Sankata under pressure, with their goal scoring opportunity coming as early in the second minute when Ekraj Budathoki's strike in skipper Anjan Bista pass was blocked by defender Subash Gurung.

Fofana could have Sankata in front in the 23rd minute but he fired high above the bar with only goalie Bishal Sunar as his obstacle.

Manang captain Bista had a chance to take advantage four minutes later when he collected the ball released by goalie Sunar but ended up smashing too quickly that his feeble shot was grabbed easily by goalie Raja Babu Thapa.

Manang then threw away another opportunity three minutes before the break as forward Nishan Limbu failed to score in one-on-one situation with goalie Thapa.

A minute later winger Fofana made a fine finish at the far post from the area converting a pass from Subash Gurung as Sankata went into the break with a goal cushion to ultimately seal the victory over the giants.

On Tuesday, four-time champions Three Star Club will vie against six-time winners Nepal Police Club.