Naren Limbu, Karna Limbu, Bikash Rai and Buddha Chemjong scored for the assembled Jhapa team. The winners walked away with Rs 1 million while Sankata took home Rs 500,000. On their short but remarkable run to the final of the eight-team tournament, Jhapa beat heavyweights Manang Marshyangdi Club 2-1 and Nepal APF Club 2-0. They also walked away with four of the five individual awards—Bishal Rai (best forward), Dinesh Thapa (best keeper), Debendra Tamang (best defender) and Bhagirath Ale (best coach).

Barsat Gurung and Suman Lama of Sankata bagged the best mid-fielder and player of the tournament. Lama was rewarded with a motorcycle while the winners of other individual category received a purse of Rs 50,000 each.

Jhapa opened their account in the 43rd minute when Naren converted a 25-yard shot into goal, the ball taking a slight deflection off the Sankara defender Sulav Thing and into the net.

Having taken a lead, Jhapa came out with more vigour in the second half and added three more goals in what turned out to be a one-sided final. Karna converted a spot kick in the 76th minute which they earned when Badal Ghising tripped Yogesh Gurung inside the area. Jhapa added the third in the 86th minute when substitute Rai dribbled the ball past two defenders before firing home. Four minutes later another substitute Chemjong capitalised on a sloppy defense to add the fourth goal.

Jhapa coach Ale said his players executed the plan to perfection. “We were able to play to our plans. Despite dominating in the first half we were able to score only once. I made tactical change in the second half and two of our substitute players scored goals,” explained Ale. He also added that the win would go a long way in helping develop football in the eastern region.

“This win is a big milestone for the football in our region. This will encourage upcoming players as well,” added Ale.

“We got better with each game and a comprehensive win in the final proves that we are a good team,” said Ale in reply to Sankata coach Bijay Maharjan’s claim that the better team lost. Maharjan said luck deserted them, blaming poor refereeing. “Both Uttam and Suman finding the bar was sign of ill-luck. Poor refereeing, especially awarding the spot kick against us, also contributed to our defeat.”post photo: kaushal adhikari