Pokhara, Feb. 8 -- 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...