Karki scored the winner one minute before the end of the added half hour following a 1-1draw in the regulation 90 minutes. [break]
Earlier, Karki had put NRT ahead in the 31st minute utilizing a cross from Subash Gurung A. But NRT could not hold on to the lead for long as the home team backed by a large number of home supporters found the equalizer four minutes later. Foreign recruit Sanduj L cancelled NRT´s lead in a pass from Buddha Lama.
Karki, adjudged the man-of-the-match, headed home the winner in the 119th minute in a corner of Laxman Ruchal.
NRT will now take on Druk Pole FC of Bhutan in the quarterfinal on Sunday.
NRT squandered some brilliant chances during the regulation time. In the sixth minute, Pokhara´s goalie saved Laxman Ruchal´s pass. In the 26th minute, Karki´s long-range strike in Prabin Saiju´s pass sailed above the bar. In the 75th minute, Sulaiman Olansile´s free-kick rebounded off the bar.
The home team also wasted a few scoring opportunities. Voctor A´s powerful strike could not find the target in the 108th minute. Buddha Lama also fired wide in the 111th minute.
Pokhara coach Pushpa KC attributed the defeat to lack of coordination between their three foreign players and the rest of the team. "We hired three foreign players in the squad to make the team strong. But they did not have proper coordination with other players," KC said.
Despite the win, NRT coach Diken Suwal was not satisfied with his team´s performance. Suwal said he needs some more time to set the team as he has taken charge of the team recently. "We need to improve the defense and midfield line-up. There are weaknesses in the team and I will try to get rid of them in the days to come," Suwal said.
Machhindra Club will lock horns with Nepal Police Club on Thursday.
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