A-Division League champions Church Boys United progressed into the quarter-finals of the Aaha-Rara Gold Cup football tournament after they defeated New Road Team (NRT) 6-5 in a tense penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw after extra time at the Pokhara Stadium in Pokhara on Thursday.

Goalkeeper Tikendra Thapa emerged as the hero for Church Boys, delivering a match-winning performance in the shootout.

After a sudden death was forced following misses from Church Boys’ Sakal Regmi and NRT’s Anjal Maharjan in the penalty, Thapa converted one himself and produced stunning saves to deny Janma Jay Dhami, Richard Wilson and Michael Magar to seal a thrilling victory.

NRT goalkeeper Bishal Sunar also displayed remarkable resilience as he scored a penalty himself and saved penalties from Church Boys captain Serge Dicka and Raj Bhusal but ultimately fell short.

Earlier, NRT had drawn the first blood in the 25th minute through Richard Wilson. Kritish Ratna Chunju capitalised on a poor back pass from Milan Rai to burst through the Church Boys defence and unleashed a low drive. Church Boys goalkeeper Thapa managed to parry Chunju’s effort but failed to secure the ball which allowed Wilson to smash home from close range.

Church Boys hauled themselves back into the game in the 64th minute via a penalty after Naren Chaudhary rashly challenged Manish Jargha Magar inside the area. Nabin Lama stepped up and gave NRT goalkeeper Sunar no chance to restore parity.

With neither side able to find another goal in regular time and the ensuing 30 minutes of extra time, the match was decided from the spot.

Church Boys face Tribhuvan Army Club in the last eight on February 10. Army received direct entry into the quarters courtesy of a bye.

Brigade Boys Club UK (bye), Nepal Police Club, Machhindra Club, Three Star Club (bye) and Black Bulls FC Uzbekistan have already advanced into the quarters.

Thunderbolt North United India and Sankata Club will vie on Friday for the final spot in the last eight.