Black Bulls secure semifinal spot by defeating Thunderbolt.
Black Bulls FC from Uzbekistan reached the semifinals of the Aaha-Rara Gold Cup after defeating Thunderbolt North United FC from India 3-0 in the quarterfinal match at Pokhara Stadium on Tuesday.
A-Division League winners Church Boys United will face six-time Aaha-Rara champions Nepal Police Club in the other semifinal on Wednesday.
Islomjon Abdukodirov, Sayidjamol Davlatjonov, and Shavkatjon Sattorov helped the Black Bulls secure a big win, setting up a semifinal match against Three Star Club on Thursday.
Thunderbolt was confident after eliminating two-time champions Sankata Club in the pre-quarterfinals. However, the Black Bulls, who got a direct entry into the quarterfinals, were fresher and showed their experience from playing in the Asian Champions League.
Thunderbolt had difficulty keeping up with the Uzbek team, especially against Sattorov, who provided two assists and scored a goal.
Thunderbolt (IND) vs Black Bulls (UZB), Quarterfinal at Pokhara Stadium on Tuesday 2025 Highlights.
In the 11th minute, Azizbek Khursonboev from the Black Bulls almost scored a goal. Sattorov passed the ball to him, putting him one-on-one with Thunderbolt’s goalkeeper, Lakpa D Bhutia. But Bhutia made a great save and stopped the goal.
A few moments later, Robert Kobina from Thunderbolts hit the crossbar, almost scoring against the Black Bulls.
The first goal came in the 38th minute when Adbukodirov scored with a powerful left-footed shot past goalkeeper D Bhutia. Sattorov set up the goal with a perfect pass.
After scoring the first goal, Abdukodirov lifted a jersey with a picture of his daughter, who passed away five months ago at the age of two, as a special tribute to her.
In the 73rd minute, Davlatjonov, who came on as a substitute in the second half, scored the Black Bulls’ second goal. He hit a powerful shot from near the penalty spot after receiving a perfect pass from Sattorov.
Sattorov scored a goal with a brilliant long-distance shot from outside the box, securing the win.
Black Bulls’ Islomjon Adbukodirov holds up a jersey featuring a photo of his late daughter as a heartfelt tribute after scoring against Thunderbolt North United during their quarter-final match at the Pokhara Stadium in Pokhara on Tuesday.
Black Bulls’ defender Alijon Alijonov was chosen as the player of the match for his strong defense. He plays for Navbahor Namangan in the Uzbekistan Super League. Most of the Black Bulls team is made up of backup players from Navbahor. For more information click here.
