Ranjan Bista struck twice to steer Nepal Armed Police Force (APF) Club to semi-finals of the Pokhara Cup with a 2-0 win over Nepal Police Club here on Saturday.

APF, who had opened their campaign with a 4-0 rout of Nawa Jana Jagriti Club, will now play against the winners of Sunday’s quarter-final match between Jhapa-XI or Manang Marshyangdi Club.

NPC failed to capitalise on their dominance in the first half. Despite keeping a constant pressure on their departmental arch-rivals, NPC failed to score. NPC skipper Ju Manu Rai squandered twice in the 12th and 40th minute. 

Bista, who struck a hat-trick against Nawa Jana Jagriti, once again stole the limelight scoring both the goals. Bista pounced on a miss pass to slam home from the edge of the area. It took another three minutes for Bista to double the APF lead. 

Bista ran on struck the second goal when NPC custodian Bishal Shrestha fumbled a shot from Man Bahadur Tamang. NPC coach Birat Krishna Shrestha said blamed lack of coordination for the defeat. “Our boys rushed for shots needlessly despite creating several scoring chances,” said the NPC coach. 

APF coach Janak Singh Tharu said: “We were not in the game in the first period as we constantly lost possession but we improved on our game in the second half and took the game away from them (NPC),” said the APF coach.