APF, who were able to make a narrow escape from relegation during the Martyrs Memorial League, were with their new formation in Butwal and were able to pile pressure on Friends from the early minutes of the match. [break]APF new boy Nirajan Malla scored both the goals in the first half. Malla struck first goal in the 21st minute and netted second 12 minutes later.
Friends´ goalkeeper Prasad Joshi made almost half a dozen heroic saves but Malla was unstoppable on both the occasions. Malla was adjudged man-of-the-match.
APF will take on New Road Team (NRT) on Monday in the quarterfinal match.
Hosts Rupandehi XI will lock horns against defending champions Nepal Army on Sunday in the first quarterfinal of the tournament.
Rupandehi defeated Sahara Club Pokhara 1-0 on Friday in the opening match of the tournament organized by Rupandehi District Football Association.
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