Tribhuwan Army Club (TAC) knocked out Jawalakhel Youth Club (JYC) from their first match of the Aaha-Rara Gold Cup with a 2-0 win here in Pokhara on Thursday.

Jitendra Karki and Deepak Gurung scored to steer the National League runners-up into the quarter-finals of the knockout tournament. TAC, who were beaten by Nepal Police Club in two finals in the past, will now take on National League champions Three Star in the last eight.

The departmental side went ahead when they were rewarded a penalty in the 10th minute after Kalu Thapa was adjudged to have tripped Rajeev Gurung inside the area. Khadka stepped in to convert from the spot.

The Armymen created more goal scoring opportunities but the first half score stood 1-0. Bharat Khawas missed what looked like a certain goal in the 38th minute but ended up with a wayward shot from the area. JYC had a golden opportunity in the sixth minute but Pema Lendup Sherpa missed out when he was fed inside the area by Anil Gurung.

JYC, whose team included a majority of U-20 players, paid the price for their poor finishing. They came up with a better game in the second half but couldn’t cash in on the scoring opportunities. At a time when JYC were desperate for an equaliser, Gurung shut down doors for JYC comeback netting in the second half injury time.

In a solo effort, Gurung made a fine run from the left before blasting home a powerful shot from the edge of the area. TAC were without their striker Nawayug Shrestha and Bikesh Kuthu, who are on  international duty.

Raju Tamang of TAC was named the man-of-the-match. TAC coach Meghraj KC said his team has a lot to improve. “We were playing after a long gap, first since  the National League. So it was quite hard for us to set the game right,” said KC adding his side will be back to their old touch against Three Star.

JYC coach Rajkumar KC said his team was not set properly. “We missed a few goal scoring chances because our team was not yet set,” said KC. On Friday, Nepal Police Club will take on Jhapa XI.