Jhapa XI defeated Rupandehi XI 3-1 in the Pokhara Cup football tournament here on Wednesday.

Karna Limbu put Jhapa ahead in the game before Dron Thapa pulled level at the stroke of half time. Devendra Tamang and Dilen Loktan then scored in the second half to seal a convincing victory for Jhapa who were recently beaten in the Jhapa Gold Cup final by Tribhuvan Army Club. Jhapa will now take on Manang Marshyangdi Club for a place in the semi-finals.

After few missed chances, striker Limbu ensured Jhapa put a front foot in the game, when in a solo effort, he dribbled the ball past Rupandehi defenders before firing home in a one-versus-one encounter with the goalkeeper in the 32nd minute. His goal came after Rupandehi missed two goal scoring chances in the seventh and eighth minutes.

Rupandehi hit back through Thapa in the 41st minute when the midfielder collected a cross from Ajay Thapa Magar inside the area and made no mistake converting it. Limbu and Bishal Rai then missed few scoring chances but the first half ended on 1-1.

With strong storm making life difficult for both sides, Tamang regained the lead just five minutes left in the normal time. The attacking defender cashed in on a free kick from skipper Prabesh Katuwal heading home a stunner from a close range. With time running out, Rupandehi tried hard for the equaliser but against the run of play, Jhapa sealed the game scoring in the added-on time.

Skipper Katuwal was once again at the centre of the goal, with a corner this time, setting an unmarked Loktan who rose for a fine header to leave Rupandehi stunned. Tamang was named man-of-the-match.