MMC’s exit come days after losing to Nepal Police Club in the Manakamana Cable Car Pokhara Cup semi-final match with the identical scoreline. Santosh Shrestha and Anjan Bista scored for APF while Bishal Rai B replied for MMC. Shrestha scored the decider in the dying moments of the match.

The U-17 national team striker Anjan Bista had provided APF the lead in the 13th minute, capitalising on a pass from Ranjan Bista.

MMC came under further pressure after their African recruit Lawal was sent off in the 30th minute after receiving double yellow card. The A Division League champions failed to come up with any meaningful shot on target until after the break when they levelled the scores. Rai brought MMC back in the game when he tapped in a cross from skipper Anil Gurung in the 77th minute.  APF were themselves reduced to 10 men when Ranjan was sent off a minute later.

However, APF claimed the bragging rights over their much illustrious opponents when Shrestha scored the winner in the 89th minute.

APF coach Krishna Thapa hailed his players for their fighting spirit. His MMC counterpart Nabin Neupane said that conceding an early goal was a big setback for them while the sending off of Lawal also did not helped their cause. Tribhuvan Army Club will take on Three Star Club for a place in the semi-finals on Monday.