A lone goal from striker Nawayug Shrestha was sufficient for Tribhuvan Army Club to send defending champions Manang Marshyangdi Club (MMC) packing as they registered a 1-0 victory to advance into the final of the third Jhapa Gold Cup at the Domalal Stadium on Saturday. 

The Nepali international striker Shrestha netted as early as in the second minute to fix the title date for Monday with hosts Jhapa XI, the beaten finalists of the last two editions. Shrestha’s cool finish from the edge of the box on a long goal kick from custodian Bikesh Kuthu stunned MMC glovesman Dinesh Thapa Magar who hardly understood the move. 

The victory puts Army closer to the seventh title of the season. TAC had defeated Jhapa 1-0 in the final of first edition two years ago. Army were earlier crowned the champions of Simara Gold Cup in Bara, Khaptad Gold Cup in Dhangadi, Bishal Memorial Gold Cup in Birgunj, Satashi Gold Cup and Kakadbhitta Gold Cup in Jhapa and Hetauda Gold Cup in Makawanpur this season. 

MMC, who came with three foreign recruits in their starting line up, came closer to hitting equaliser in the 10th minute but Victor’s strike crashed on to the woodworks. MMC’s Bimal Rana ended up with a feeble strike from zone in the 24th in a cross from Sujal Shrestha. Winger Tanka Basnet could have doubled the advantage for Army in the 45th minute but he ending up firing wide in one-on-one situation with advancing MMC goalie Thapa Magar. 

Nepali international Anjan Bista, who recently switched to MMC from Nepal Armed Police Force (APF) Club, was denied by Army goalie Kuthu in the 59th when he headed a Bishal Rai cross. 

Rupandehi in semis

BUTWAL: Hosts Rupandehi XI saw off Nawalparasi XI 3-1 to enter the semi-finals of the Tilottama Gold Cup football tournament at the Anfa Technical Centre on Saturday. Ashok Thapa scored twice in the home team’s victory. 

Thapa opened scoring for Rupandehi in the 23rd minute before their foreign recruit Koli levelled the scores in the 65th. Rupandehi restored their one goal cushion in the 83rd from spot when Nishan Limbu converted penalty awarded after Ashis Gurung was brought down in the zone by Yubaraj Chapagain. Thapa sealed the victory for the hosts in the stoppage time with his second individual goal. Nepal Police Club will meet Nepal APF Club on Sunday.