Black Bulls FC of Uzbekistan stormed into the semi-finals of Aaha-Rara Gold Cup football tournament after they defeated Thunderbolt North United FC of India 3-0 in their quarter-final clash at the Pokhara Stadium in Pokhara on Tuesday.

Goals from Islomjon Adbukodirov, Sayidjamol Davlatjonov and Shavkatjon Sattorov propelled Black Bulls to an emphatic victory, setting up a semi-final showdown against Three Star Club on Thursday.

A-Division League champions Church Boys United and six-time Aaha-Rara champions Nepal Police Club will contest the other semi-final on Wednesday.

Thunderbolt entered the fixture on high after knocking out two-time champions Sankata Club from pre-quarter finals. But Black Bulls, benefiting from a bye into the last eight, arrived fresher and showcased the pedigree of a team with Asian Champions League experience.

Thunderbolt struggled to match the intensity of the Uzbek side, particularly against Sattorov who troubled the opponents with two assists and a goal.

Black Bulls’ Azizbek Khursonboev came close to scoring in the 11th minute when Sattorov’s through ball put him in a one-versus-one with Thunderbolt goalkeeper Lakpa D Bhutia. But Bhutia produced a superb save to deny him.

Moments later, Thunderbolts’ Robert Kobina rattled the crossbar to threaten Black Bulls.

The breakthrough arrived in the 38th minute when Adbukodirov clinically dispatched a left-footed drive past D Bhutia after Sattorov put him through with a well-weighted pass.

After scoring the opening goal, Abdukodirov held up a jersey featuring a photo of his late daughter, who passed away at the age of two, five months ago, as a heartfelt tribute.

Second half-substitute Davlatjonov doubled Black Bulls’ lead in the 73rd minute, rifling home a powerful strike from near the penalty spot following an accurate pass from Sattorov.

Sattorov then turned scorer himself, unleashing a stunning long-range effort from outside the box to seal the contest.

Black Bulls’ defender Alijon Alijonov was named the player of the match for his rock-solid performance at the back. Alijonov plays for Navbahor Namangan in the Uzbekistan Super League. Black Bulls is largely composed of second-string players from Navbahor.