Thunderbolt North United of India advanced into the quarter-finals of the Aaha-Rara Gold Cup football tournament after they came from behind to defeat two-time champions Sankata Club 3-1 at the Pokhara Stadium in Pokhara on Friday.

Goals from Franklin Kuete Talla, Karan Rai and Adharsha Tamang secured the comeback victory for Sikkim Premier League runners-up Thunderbolt, who responded in emphatic fashion after Manish Paudel had handed Sankata an early lead in the 17th minute.

Thunderbolt put Sankata under pressure from the start but it was Sankata who struck first when Pasang Lama set up Paudel, who calmly slotted home from near the penalty spot.

Thunderbolt intensified their attack and were duly rewarded in the 35th minute when Sankata defender Abhishek Lama fouled Karan Rai inside the box, conceding a penalty. Talla stepped up and converted the spot kick to restore parity.

Thunderbolt continued to dominate after the interval and their persistence paid off in the 77th minute when Rai produced a moment of brilliance, expertly controlling a cross from Andrew before sending a half-volley past the Sankata defenders and into the net.

Tamang put the result beyond doubt in the 89th with a clever long-range effort from midfield, surprising Sankata goalkeeper Deep Karki who had come off his line.

Thunderbolt will now face Black Bulls FC of Uzbekistan in the last eight on Feb 11.

In other quarter-finals, Nepal Police Club take on Brigade Boys Club of the United Kingdom, Church Boys United square off against Tribhuvan Army Club and Machhindra clash with Three Star Club.