Pokhara, Nepal: In a sensational display of grit and tactical prowess, the Tribhuvan Army Club stormed to a resounding 3-0 victory over Three Star Club, claiming their maiden Aaha Rara Pokhara Gold Cup title at the electrifying Pokhara Stadium on Saturday. This emphatic win marks a watershed moment for the Army, etching their name in the annals of the prestigious tournament and exorcising the ghosts of past final defeats.

The electric atmosphere crackled with anticipation as both teams locked horns in a clash of titans. Captain Gellespijung Karki was the catalyst for the Army, rising above the Three Star defence to nod home a precise corner from Chaudhary in the 38th minute. The Three Star custodian, Abhiisek Baral, was left grasping at thin air as the Army drew first blood.

Three Star, known for their fighting spirit, refused to surrender. Roshan Rana Magar came agonizingly close to equalizing with a free-kick in the 60th minute, but his effort rattled the woodwork. However, the Army defence held firm, refusing to be breached.

The tide definitively turned in the Army’s favour in the 83rd minute. Fatteman Ghale unleashed a thunderbolt from a distance, leaving Baral with no chance and doubling the lead. Basant Zimba put the icing on the cake with a clinical finish in injury time, sealing a historic 3-0 triumph and sending the Army faithful into raptures.

This victory holds immense significance for the Army, serving as sweet redemption after their heartbreaking loss to the same opponent in the 2075 final. The narrative of this year’s final was etched in the memory of that penalty shootout defeat, making the Army’s triumph all the more exhilarating.

For Three Star, the defeat marks a missed opportunity to equal the record for most Pokhara Gold Cup victories and a stark reminder of the Army’s growing dominance.