Armed Police Force (APF) had to struggle to beat Kakarvitta Club 1-0 to enter the quarterfinals of the 9th Buddha Subba Gold Cup football tournament at Dharan Football Ground on Wednesday.

Ganesh Lawati rescued the police side scoring in the late hours (78th minute) from long range. The hard fought victory set APF’s quarterfinal date with Nabil Three Star Club on 18 March. Karkarvitta Club could have taken the lead in the 19th minute but skipper Bikash Subba’s superb header unfortunately hit the pole.

APF could have opened the account in the 55th minute but Sunil Subedi’s header was well collected by goalie Rupak Gurung. APF wasted another chance in the 68th minute as Santosh Shahukhala’s shot from the D-box was again saved by Gurung. Kakarvitta Club squandered a golden chance in the 76th minute when Bikash Subba shot wide from the 10-yard-box.

Rupak Gurung, goalie of Kakarvitta Club was declared the Adidas Man of the Match.

Sahara Club, Pokhara will take on WDSA, Sikkim, India in Thursday’s match.