Sports
Jhapa crowned champs
Jhapa XI lifted the Kakarbhitta Gold Cup easing past Nepal Armed Police Force (APF) Club 3-0 in the final here on Saturday.Parbat Portel
Jhapa XI lifted the Kakarbhitta Gold Cup easing past Nepal Armed Police Force (APF) Club 3-0 in the final here on Saturday.
Karna Limbu struck late in the game twice and APF gifted an own goal to Jhapa giving a victory that helped them avenge the first round defeat inflicted by the departmental side in the Surunga Gold Cup last month. The title made Jhapa richer by Rs 401,000 and APF got Rs 200,000. Jhapa had also defeated APF in the final of the Mai Valley Gold Cup.
In an exciting contest that drew thousands of spectators, Jhapa dominated the ball possession but the first half ended on a goalless stalemate. They went ahead in the 77th minute through an own goal. APF defender Top Bahadur Bista inadvertently kicked the ball into his own nets in a bid to clear a long range shot from Bishal Rai.
As APF were trying their best to stage a late fight back in the game, it was Jhapa who struck through Limbu, the forward scoring on a cross from Ranjit Shrestha. The match went out of APF grasp after Ramesh Dangal played a miss pass to Limbu who made no mistake converting from a close range. Jhapa coach Sanjay Rai said his boys played as a team adding: “The victory against APF today has helped us forget our poor results in the past.”
It was Jhapa’s first title in the knock out tournaments this year. APF coach Ratnakaji Maharjan was left dejected. “Our boys were not able to set the game well. I take all the responsibility for the title loss,” admitted Maharjan.
Delhi United enter quarters
DHANGADI: Delhi United of India defeated Boys Union Club of Kathmandu 4-2 in penalty shootout to enter the Khaptad Gold Cup football tournament quarter-finals on Saturday. The match was decided through tie breaker after both teams were locked 1-1 after 90-minute normal time. Kethopi had given the visiting team a 58th minute goal before Abhishek Rijal equalised for Boys Union in the 67th. On Sunday, hosts Far West XI will take on Panjab Football Team of India. (PR)