APF Pakali Stun Dharan ANFA Academy Behind Murmu's Winner
MECHINAGAR — APF Pakali opened with a 1–0 win over Dharan ANFA Academy in the inaugural Kakarbhitta Challenge Cup at Kakarbhitta ground on Saturday. The departmental side dictated terms in key passages and broke down a resolute Dharan defensive unit to seal a straight path into the semi-finals. After an hour of scoreless play, Shyam Murmu broke the deadlock in the 60th minute with a clinical finish that stood as the only goal. He earned the 'Man of the Match' award and a NPR 2,500 cash prize. ! Mechinagar Municipality Deputy Mayor Meena Pokhrel Upreti inaugurated the competition before kickoff. She noted sports support youth discipline, health, and social unity, and reaffirmed municipal support for grassroots infrastructure. The high-stakes knockout tournament, organised by Kakarbhitta Youth Club, runs through Srawan 16 and features six Nepalese teams and two visiting squads from India. The champions will receive a NPR 101,100 cash purse, trophy, medals, and certificates, while the runners-up will pocket NPR 50,550. Football dignitaries attended the opener, including Jhapa District Football Association President Bhagirath Ale and General Secretary Sher Bahadur Basnet. Kakarbhitta Youth Club President Anil Gupta presided, while Secretary Nima Lama and club member Roji Tamang moderated.
