The Aaha-Rara Gold Cup has a new champion.

Black Bulls FC of Uzbekistan clinched the trophy on Saturday after they defeated six-time winners Nepal Police Club 3-1 in the final at the Pokhara Stadium in Pokhara on Saturday.

Goals from captain Jakhongir Akhmadov, Asilbek Orifjonov and Shavkatjon Sattorov helped Black Bulls secure the trophy of the 24th edition of the tournament in their debut campaign.

A beleaguered Police side, riddled with defensive lapses, found their only goal through an own goal by Black Bulls’ Aliijon Alijonov in the latter stage of the contest.

The triumph marks Black Bulls as only the second foreign side to lift the trophy, following in the footsteps of African United. Notably, Police had also been on the receiving end when African United claimed the title in 2006, falling 2-0 in the final.

For Police, appearing in their first final in five years, the defeat means their aspirations of a record-extending seventh title will have to wait for at least another year.

Police and Manang remain the joint-most successful teams in Aaha-Rara history, having each lifted the trophy six times. Manang did not participate in this edition.

Police began the match with intent and nearly seized an early lead in the third minute, only for Manish Sedai’s header from a pinpoint Sunil Tamang cross to rattle the upright. Sedai came close again in the 15th minute with a long-range effort that narrowly missed the target.

But Black Bulls grew into the contest and capitalised on a goalkeeping blunder to break the deadlock in the 40th minute. Akhmadov’s free kick was fumbled by Police goalkeeper Satrudhan Chaudhary, who, despite initially catching the ball, allowed it to slip through his grasp and roll into the net.

Police never recovered from that setback.

Orifjonov doubled the lead in the 59th minute, punishing a defensive lapse by Shishir Chaudhary, who failed to clear his lines, allowing the Uzbek forward to make a sharp turn inside the penalty area and send a low drive into the bottom corner.

Tournament’s top scorer Sattorov put the result beyond doubt in the 66th minute. Exploiting another defensive error—this time from Bhakta Jung Khadka—Sattorov displayed composure and intelligence to create space before unleashing a precise finish from the edge of the area.

Police got one in the 74th minute, courtesy of an own goal from Alijonov who inadvertently headed Ujwal Rai’s free kick into his own net.

Black Bulls took home a cash prize of Rs1.2 million, while runners-up Police got Rs601,000.

Sattorov, who netted three goals in as many matches, was named player of the tournament. His teammates also dominated the individual accolades. Jasurbek Rajabov was adjudged best goalkeeper, Alijonov best defender, and Azizbek Khursonboek best forward.

Police’s Raj Wajee was adjudged best midfielder, while Sanjeev Lama claimed the emerging player award.

Meanwhile, Thunderbolt North United of India was recognised as the tournament’s fair play team.

Aaha-Rara Gold Cup

Final

Police1-3Black Bulls

Jakhongir Akhmadov 40’

Asilbek Orifjonov 59’

Shavkatjon Sattorov 66’

Aliijon Alijonov 74’ (OG)

Best playerShavkatjon Sattorov

High scorerShavkatjon Sattorov

Best goalkeeperJasurbek Rajabov

Best defenderAliijon Alijonov

Best forwardAzizbek Khursonboek

Best midfielderRaj Wajee (Police)

Emerging playerSanjeev Lama (Police)

Best coachAbdulaziz Nishonbaev (Black Bulls)

Fair play teamThunderBolt North United