Dharan FC edged Pokhara-XI 1-0 to enter the quarter-finals of the Pokhara Cup football tournament on Thursday.

Tirtha Basnet scored the winner in the 73rd minute to send the hosts packing from their first match of the knockout tournament. Dharan will now take on foreign invitees Delhi United Club of India.

Dharan fielded rookie players in their starting XI and it was Pokhara who had a strong grip but Basnet’s goal separated the two teams. Pokhara put Dharan under pressure from the outset but failed to score.

Rakesh Gurung failed to convert in one-on-one with Dharan goalkeeper in the 19th minute. Sunil BK’s close-range header in a 40th went inches wide. Luck continued to desert the hosts in the second half as they wasted numerous scoring chances.

While Pokhara’s frustration continued, Dharan hit the jackpot when Basnet beat last defender Bimal Basnet before firing home the winner from the area. It was yet another disastrous outing for Pokhara who were also knocked out in the first game of the previous edition by Nepal APF Club.

Dharan coach Subash KC said the strong wind made life difficult for his players, adding: “We didn’t fare well in the first half. Playing an attacking game in the late stages of the second half helped us.”

Pokhara coach Ishwar Gurung was left dejected despite gaining an upper hand in the game. “We wasted all the scoring chances. Our strikers failed to give finishing touch,” he said. On Friday, Tribhuvan Army Club will take on Saraswoti Youth Club.