Jhapa XI Stages Thrilling Comeback to Oust Police Club, Secures Quarter-Final Spot
BIRTAMOD — The hosts are moving on. Jhapa XI Football Club showed grit and tactical discipline. They overturned an early deficit to defeat Nepal Police Club 2-1. With this win, they advance to the quarter-finals of the 7th Jhapa Gold Cup (Binod Basnet Memorial Edition). The atmosphere at Domalal Rajbanshi Stadium was electric as the local favourites clawed their way back into a match that had seemed to slip away in the opening minutes. **The Turnaround: Lekhi and Dahal Shine** Nepal Police Club drew first blood early. In the 12th minute, John Bista found the back of the net with a clinical one-touch finish, capitalising on a sharp cross from Dhirendra Shah. Jhapa XI refused to buckle under pressure. The momentum shifted during first-half injury time. Shishir Lekhi—unmarked in the box after a strike by Rajesh Dahal—slotted home the equaliser. The goal sent the home crowd into a frenzy. The comeback was completed in the 59th minute. Lekhi turned provider and whipped in a precise free kick. Rajesh Dahal redirected it into the net. That goal proved to be the decider, sealing the hosts' victory. **Missed Opportunities for Police** While Jhapa XI celebrated, it was a different story for Nepal Police Club. The departmental side created several clear chances but could not beat Jhapa’s goalkeeper, Sandip Limbu. **35th Minute**: Limbu denied Bijay Urau in a one-on-one situation. **52nd Minute**: A powerful strike by Birendra Shah was acrobatically saved. **57th Minute**: With the keeper caught out of position, Police failed to capitalise on an open-net opportunity, a mistake that ultimately ended their tournament run. Jhapa XI's Rajesh Dahal was named Player of the Match, taking home a cash prize of 25,000 NPR for his goal and overall impact.  **Tournament Outlook and Stakes** The Jhapa Gold Cup continues to build its reputation as a premier fixture in Nepali football. This edition has a diverse lineup. International squads include India’s Singling Sporting Club, Bhutan’s Royal Thimphu College, and Malaysia’s N. Penang FC. Rewards: Winner – 1.5 Million NPR; Runner-up – 750,000 NPR; Most Valuable Player – Yamaha Motorcycle; Individual Honours (Best Coach, Scorer, Keeper) – 35,000 NPR each. **A Vision for the Hub** During the opening ceremony, Birtamod Municipality Mayor Pabitra Mahatara Prasai reiterated the local government's commitment to upgrading stadium infrastructure. She noted, however, that ongoing land ownership disputes remain a hurdle for long-term investment. Tournament Chairman Kedar Giri and Patron Jalkumar Gurung emphasised that the Gold Cup is more than a trophy. It is a vehicle to establish Jhapa as Nepal's "football hub" and to promote the sport on an international stage. The action continues tomorrow as heavyweights Tribhuvan Army Football Club take on Church Boys United in a high-octane encounter.
