Nepal Police Club secured their spot in the semi-finals of the Aaha-Rara Gold Cup football tournament after they defeated Brigade Boys Club of the United Kingdom 2-0 at the Pokhara Stadium in Pokhara on Saturday.

First-half goals from Bibek Pandey and captain Ram Wajee propelled the six-time champions into the last four for the first time since 2021.

Police won the Aaha-Rara Gold Cup in 2002, 2003, 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2018.

Police, who defeated hosts Sahara Club 1-0 in the pre-quarterfinal, asserted their dominance from the outset and their pressure paid off in the 28th minute when Pandey’s curling corner, aimed directly at the post, took a deflection off Brigade’s Rayan Kunwar before nestling in the net.

Pandey turned provider in the 40th minute, delivering a pinpoint corner that an unmarked Wajee converted with a powerful header to double Police’s advantage.

Police nearly extended their lead in the 65th minute when Pandey slipped a precise pass to Ashish Rai just outside the six-yard box, but Rai’s effort went agonisingly wide.

Brigade had a rare opportunity to pull one back in the 77th minute when Saktim Limbu delivered a well-weighted free kick to Bishal Tamang. However, Tamang failed to apply the finishing touch.

The 2025 edition of the Aaha-Rara has been a welcome resurgence for a Police side who endured disappointing campaigns in Pokhara in recent years and suffered early exits from the President Cup, Bharat Gold Cup and Budha Subba Gold Cup.

Police next play the winners of the last eight encounters between Martyrs Memorial A-Division League champions Church Boys United and Tribhuvan Army Club in the semi-finals.

Army progressed directly to the quarter-finals via a bye.

Three Star Club and Machhindra will lock horns in another quarter-final match on Sunday. Three Star earned direct qualification to the last eight.