Lumbini Lions Hold Nerve to Seal Final Playoff Spot, Eliminate Janakpur Bolts

Sachit Subba

Sports Analyst

12 views • 51 minutes ago

Latest Updates

View All

Football

Visiting Teams Eager to Experience Nepal's Football Mania as Inaugural SAFF Club Championship Kicks Off

22 hours ago

Cricket

Royals Remain Untouchable: Lynn's Masterclass and Mehra's Web Spin Royals into Qualifier 1

22 hours ago

Cricket

Nepal Eyes History on Home Soil: 26-Member Preliminary Squad Announced for Critical World Cup Qualifier

22 hours ago

Cricket

SHAHAB ALAM'S SIX-WICKET MASTERCLASS AND SHARKI'S BLITZ VAULT KATHMANDU GORKHAS INTO PLAYOFFS

1 day ago

Football

Visiting Teams Eager to Experience Nepal's Football Mania as Inaugural SAFF Club Championship Kicks Off

KATHMANDU, December 4 — As the captains and coaches of South Asia's elite women's clubs gathered at the ANFA Complex in Satdobato on Thursday, the mood was less about rivalry and more about anticipation. When asked what they looked forward to most in the inaugural SAFF Women's Club Championship, the answer was unanimous: they want to witness Nepal's legendary football craze firsthand. But while the visiting teams are soaking in the excitement of playing in a football-mad nation, the mood in the host camp is far more sombre. Nepal's representatives, the Armed Police Force (APF) Club, enter the tournament battling severe fatigue and a depleted squad. ![](https://bootballer.com/storage/media/posts/NWM3s2lW5FIvjp7KfZrhKCK0VBQ8RFL9EQ1kxREK.jpg) **A Historic Initiation** The championship, a pioneering initiative by the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF), aims to bridge the gap between domestic leagues and international play. Kicking off on Friday, December 5, at Dasharath Stadium, the tournament features five league champions from the region: **APF Club (Nepal)**: 2024 ANFA Women's League Champions **Nasrin Sports Academy (Bangladesh)**: 2023-24 League Winners **Transport United FC (Bhutan)**: 2024 League Runners-up **East Bengal FC (India)**: 2024-25 IWL Champions **Karachi City FC (Pakistan)**: 2024 National Champions ![](https://bootballer.com/storage/media/posts/Na0dYEjDNMmxjdc1ZSlcJkiYDVVU9qqLK52arLwB.jpg) The tournament will follow a single round-robin format, with the top two teams facing off in the final on December 20. "We Are Here to Experience the Craze" Despite flight delays keeping Indian giants East Bengal from the pre-match conference, the other visiting sides were vocal about their admiration for Nepali fans. "There is a massive football culture here," said Maria Khan, captain of Pakistan's Karachi City FC. Khan, who also captains the Pakistan national team, is no stranger to the roar of Dasharath Stadium. "We have experienced it during national team games. Now, we are looking forward to experiencing that same craze through club competition." Her sentiments were echoed by Sunita Rai, skipper of Bhutan's Transport United. "I have found Nepal to be the place with the craziest football fans," Rai said. "It is great to see the love for women's football specifically. We have trained for weeks and are ready to put up a good fight." Bangladesh's Nasrin Sports Academy, featuring national team veteran Sabina Khatun, arrives with high expectations. "We can say there is pressure coming to Nepal, to achieve the same accolades as the national team," admitted head coach Monir Hossain, referencing Bangladesh's recent successes in Kathmandu. ![](https://bootballer.com/storage/media/posts/TXVjHBfNs7x0hDy4JsHcTdJEOTBGdkgmIKPS0kuW.jpg) **Hosts in Crisis?** While the visitors are buzzing, APF Club is running on fumes. The dominant force in Nepali domestic football—winners of four consecutive league titles—is paying the price for the packed schedule of its stars. "The players have been extremely busy," revealed APF head coach Jibesh Pandey. "Since July, we haven't had the chance to train properly as a full team." The squad is grappling with the absence of key defenders Gita Rana and Sabita Rana Magar, both sidelined by injuries attributed to overuse. "It is great to see so much football, but it takes a toll when there aren't sufficient days to recover," said APF captain Anita Basnet. She noted that many players only returned to Kathmandu on Wednesday night following a tri-nation friendly in Indonesia. "We have a match on Friday. But we will not let it affect our performance. We want to win." ![](https://bootballer.com/storage/media/posts/1HRCoAWImBmHMuW4TFNmlBWIfcegkIKr2BQWa39M.jpg) **Tournament kickoff** The six-day spectacle begins tomorrow, with two matches per day during the league stage. For the visiting clubs, it is a chance to make history in front of one of Asia's most passionate crowds. For APF, it is a test of resilience as they look to defend home turf against the best the region has to offer.

10-Man Nepal Falls to Malaysia in Narrow 1-0 Defeat, Extending Winless Streak

KUALA LUMPUR — Despite a resilient defensive display in the first half, Nepal succumbed to a 1-0 defeat against Group leaders Malaysia in the Asian Cup Qualifiers on Tuesday. The loss extends Nepal's worrying winless streak to eight games, on a night that ended in frustration after the team was reduced to 10 men in the dying moments. With their Asian Cup qualification hopes mathematically extinguished, Nepal entered the match playing for pride. Facing a Malaysian side sitting at the top of the table, the Nepali defence managed to frustrate the hosts early on, heading into the halftime break with the score locked at 0-0. However, the deadlock was broken shortly after the restart. In the 56th minute, Malaysia seized the advantage when Faisal Halim broke through the defensive line. Finding himself in a one-on-one situation against Nepal's captain and goalkeeper, Kiran Chemjong, Halim kept his composure and slotted the ball home to give Malaysia a 1-0 lead. Nepal struggled to mount a convincing comeback, failing to find the back of the net as the clock wound down. The situation went from bad to worse in the 90th minute when midfielder Laken Limbu was sent off after receiving a second yellow card, leaving Nepal to finish the game with ten men. The drama continued deep into stoppage time, with the referee awarding Malaysia a penalty following the incident. However, Malaysia failed to double their lead, with Paulo Josue blazing the spot-kick over the bar. The miss proved inconsequential, as Malaysia held on to secure the three points. **Context and Form** This fixture was technically a "home" game for Nepal but was played in Malaysia after the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) deemed the pitch at Kathmandu's Dasharath Stadium unfit for international competition. This mirrors the first leg of the encounter, where Nepal suffered a 2-0 defeat. The result highlights a problematic period for the Nepali national team. Since their last victory—a 1-0 win over Singapore in March—Nepal has failed to register a win in eight consecutive matches, recording five losses and three draws in that span.

Bangladesh Let Victory Slip in Final Minutes Despite Hamza Choudhury’s Brace Against Nepal

Dhaka, Bangladesh — For nearly half an hour, Bangladesh looked sluggish, struggling to find rhythm or urgency. Jamal Bhuyan and Rakib Hossain were yet to shake off the inertia, while Leicester City’s Hamza Choudhury remained tightly marked. Trailing 0-1 at halftime, the hosts needed inspiration — and it came from none other than their new “Magic Man.” But Bangladesh’s long-standing defensive woes resurfaced at the worst possible time. Despite Hamza’s brilliance, the home side conceded a late goal, settling for a frustrating 2–2 draw against Nepal in Thursday’s FIFA International Friendly at the Bangabandhu National Stadium. Hamza struck twice in quick succession to overturn Nepal’s lead, but a defensive lapse in added time saw Fortis FC defender Ananta Tamang snatch a point for the visitors. Earlier, Nepal’s experienced midfielder Rohit Chand had opened the scoring, while Hamza’s heroics had briefly had Bangladesh dreaming of victory. This brace takes Hamza Choudhury’s international tally to four goals. The Leicester City midfielder, who made his debut earlier this year, had previously found the net against Bhutan, Hong Kong, and China. ![](https://bootballer.com/storage/media/posts/q2Jl6sulerdwh3LUi0hpLnfHl2nXiR2xlIn3NE8z.jpg) **How It Happened** Bangladesh had a chance to take the lead in the 10th minute when Jamal Bhuyan lofted a precise ball to Fahim, who crossed towards Sohel Rana Jr. — but the striker failed to make contact. In the 26th minute, Fahim hesitated between passing and shooting, allowing Nepalese goalkeeper Kiran Kumar Limbu to easily parry his effort. Nepal capitalised on Bangladesh’s indecision. In the 29th minute, Sumit Shrestha’s clever back-pass found Rohit Chand inside the box, who smashed home a powerful left-footed strike to give Nepal a 1–0 advantage. Bangladesh responded with urgency after the break. Within the first three minutes of the second half, Hamza Choudhury turned the game on its head. In the 46th minute, Jamal Bhuyan’s deflected header reached Hamza, who executed a stunning overhead kick to equalise. Just moments later, Rakib Hossain was fouled inside the box, and Hamza coolly converted the resulting penalty to make it 2–1. As the game wore on, debutant Kuba Mitchell replaced Hamza in the 80th minute, and Bangladesh appeared to have control. Yet, their familiar frailty in closing out matches returned to haunt them. In stoppage time, Nepal earned a corner, and Ananta Tamang rose highest to nod home, silencing the Dhaka crowd. The final whistle blew with the score locked at 2–2 — a result that felt more like a defeat for the hosts. **A Familiar Story** Bangladesh last beat Nepal on home soil on November 13, 2020, with a 2–0 win. Since then, in five encounters, victory has remained elusive. Thursday’s draw was another reminder that while Bangladesh has found moments of brilliance in players like Hamza, their inability to defend leads continues to cost them dearly. On a night when Hamza Choudhury could have written a fairytale comeback story for Bangladesh football, the ending was instead one of déjà vu — a tale of promise undone by late heartbreak.

Cricket

Lumbini Lions Hold Nerve to Seal Final Playoff Spot, Eliminate Janakpur Bolts

KIRTIPUR — In a contest where the stakes could not have been higher, the Lumbini Lions booked the last remaining berth in the Nepal Premier League (NPL) 2025 playoffs, overcoming a spirited fightback from the Janakpur Bolts to secure a tense four-wicket victory at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground on Friday. The win guarantees the Rohit Paudel-led side a place in the knockout stages alongside the Sudur Paschim Royals, Kathmandu Gorkhas, and Biratnagar Kings, while officially drawing the curtains on a disappointing campaign for the Janakpur Bolts. **Bolts Stumble Out of the Gates** After winning the toss and electing to bat on a surface that offered assistance to the bowlers, the Janakpur Bolts struggled to find rhythm. Stand-in captain Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton's decision to bat first backfired early, as the Lions' disciplined and aggressive attack stifled the scoring rate. Openers Aasif Sheikh (20) and Maaz Sadaqat (6) failed to provide the explosive start required in a must-win encounter. Sheikh showed flashes of intent but perished trying to accelerate, while the middle order crumbled under the pressure of the Lions' spin and seam combination. It was left to Sangeeth Cooray to anchor the innings. His gritty 45 off 38 balls held the side together as wickets tumbled around him. A late, crucial cameo from all-rounder Mayan Yadav—who struck a brisk 27 off 23 balls—dragged Janakpur to a respectable, albeit below-par, total of 132/6 in their 20 overs. For Lumbini, the bowling effort was a collective triumph. Captain Rohit Paudel led from the front with the ball, claiming two vital wickets, while Sher Malla continued his impressive tournament form with figures of 2-20, keeping the Bolts on a leash throughout the middle overs. ![](https://bootballer.com/storage/media/posts/1FRMDYiezYRhcxsKQdqxckGA0OUOzMb3xhxIY0wl.jpg) **The Chase: Cruise, Collapse, and Composure** Chasing 133 for a spot in the playoffs, the Lumbini Lions appeared to be cruising behind the composure of their skipper. Paudel, looking to finish the job himself, compiled a well-made 34 off 32 balls, stabilising the innings after the early loss of the openers. However, the game turned on its head in the 12th over. Mayan Yadav, fresh from his heroics with the bat, returned to haunt the Lions with the ball. In a game-changing spell, he trapped Paudel LBW before dismissing Sundeep Jora for a golden duck on the very next delivery. The double-strike sent shockwaves through the Lumbini dugout, leaving them in a precarious position and breathing life into the Janakpur defence. Suddenly, a routine chase transformed into a battle of nerves. With the required run rate climbing and the Bolts' fielders swarming, the Lions needed cool heads. They found them in JJ Smit and Dilip Nath. **Nath Finishes in Style** Smit absorbed the pressure with a crucial 21 off 19 balls, rotating the strike and finding the boundary when necessary to keep the asking rate manageable. But it was Dilip Nath who delivered the knockout punch. With the game drifting into a tense final over equation, Nath took charge against Sanjay Krishnamurthi. Displaying nerves of steel, he launched a delivery over deep mid-wicket for a massive six, sealing the victory with five balls to spare. ![](https://bootballer.com/storage/media/posts/t6SUIxt1HlH4BWqgETW9i6pmo6bbdCAvLhN5N3hR.jpg) **Implications and What's Next** The victory was a testament to Lumbini's resilience, particularly their ability to recover from a mid-innings collapse that might have derailed lesser teams. By securing the fourth spot, they keep their title hopes alive and will now prepare for the high-pressure environment of the eliminators. For the Janakpur Bolts, the loss epitomises a season of "what-ifs." Despite flashes of brilliance—exemplified today by Mayan Yadav's all-round effort—they lacked the consistency required to challenge the league's top tier. They exited the tournament knowing they had the fight but ultimately lacked the firepower. The NPL playoffs are now set, with the Lions roaring into the final four just in the nick of time.

Royals Remain Untouchable: Lynn's Masterclass and Mehra's Web Spin Royals into Qualifier 1

KIRTIPUR — In a tournament where consistency is often the first casualty, the Sudur Paschim Royals have turned winning into a monotonous habit. Thursday at the TU International Cricket Ground was no different. Led by a calculated half-century from Chris Lynn and a strangling bowling effort spearheaded by Puneet Mehra, the Royals decimated the Chitwan Rhinos by 49 runs, securing their spot in Qualifier 1 and stretching their unbeaten streak to a daunting six matches. For the Chitwan Rhinos, this was a reality check. Chasing a competitive but manageable target of 170, their batting lineup disintegrated under pressure, folding for 120 in 17.1 overs. The result not only cements the Royals' dominance at the top of the table but also reshuffles the playoff deck, confirming a spot for the Biratnagar Kings and leaving the Rhinos with plenty of soul-searching to do. **The Lynn Factor: Anchoring the Ship** Sent in to bat on a surface that demanded application, the Royals didn't blitz the power play. They lost Binod Bhandari (21) and Ishan Pandey early, stuttering slightly. Enter Chris Lynn. The Australian veteran played an innings of immense maturity, understanding that on this Kirtipur deck, longevity at the crease was worth more than frantic hitting. Lynn's 75 off 56 balls was the spine of the Royals' total. He struck five boundaries and three sixes, manipulating the field and punishing the loose deliveries before retiring hurt—a move that arguably accelerated the death overs. With the platform set, skipper Dipendra Singh Airee and Aarif Sheikh applied the finishing touches, both remaining unbeaten on 24 to drag the total to a psychological 169/4. Chitwan's bowlers had their moments. Ranjit Kumar was exceptional, returning figures of 1/16 from his four overs, a spell that deserved better support. Saif Zaib grabbed two wickets but was expensive, leaking 35 runs, while George Scrimshaw's pace was used against him as he went for 40. ![](https://bootballer.com/storage/media/posts/lovBhJzO7ivAM77zj6wXeaz0jmcbQsGU5w4Hk1SO.jpg) **The Chase: A Rhino Collapse** Chasing 170 required a steady start, but the Rhinos seemed intent on self-destruction. The top order was dismantled inside the powerplay, leaving them reeling at 36/3. Ravi Bopara (29) and Dev Khanal (28) briefly threatened to stabilise the innings, stitching together a partnership that hinted at a revival. At 90/4, the game was delicately poised. However, the dismissal of the set batters triggered a catastrophic collapse. The Rhinos lost their last six wickets for just 30 runs, capitulating in a heap. **The Bowling Card: Spin to Win** While the batters set the target, it was the Royals' bowlers who defended it with venom. Puneet Mehra was the architect of the collapse, spinning a web around the Rhinos' middle order to claim 3 wickets. He was ably supported by his captain, Airee, who was miserly with the ball, conceding just 9 runs in his three overs and picking up a wicket. The discipline was total; there were no freebies, and the pressure mounted until the Rhinos cracked. ![](https://bootballer.com/storage/media/posts/WARm4D4nG175FSRsPAmwcEeS7VNRo5pXdxFc9dXU.jpg) **Analyst's Take: The 'Invincibles' Tag is Earned** The Sudur Paschim Royals are now the team to beat, not just because they are winning, but because of how they are winning. They have found match-winners in every department. When the top order wobbles, the middle order stands up. When the pacers are expensive, the spinners tighten the noose. **Key takeaways from Match 24:** Adaptability: The Royals assessed the conditions better. Lynn realised 170 was a winning score and didn't throw his wicket away chasing 200. Chitwan's Fragility: The Rhinos are too reliant on individual brilliance. Their lower-middle order offered zero resistance, a flaw that will be exploited in crunch games. Playoff Picture: With 12 points, the Royals are safe. The Rhinos, however, have inadvertently helped the teams below them. The pressure is now squarely on them to find momentum before the knockouts. **Conclusion** As the players shook hands, the contrast was stark. The Royals walked off with the swagger of a side that has forgotten how to lose, while the Rhinos looked like a team searching for answers. With the playoffs looming, Sudur Paschim has sent a loud message to the rest of the NPL: the road to the trophy goes through them.

Nepal Eyes History on Home Soil: 26-Member Preliminary Squad Announced for Critical World Cup Qualifier

KATHMANDU, December 4 — The Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) has officially signalled the start of its most ambitious campaign yet, announcing a 26-member preliminary squad for the upcoming ICC Women's T20 Global Qualifier. The players will report to a high-intensity closed camp at Mulpani starting Friday, as the nation prepares to host the pivotal tournament early next year. This selection marks the first step toward what could be a historic achievement: securing a berth at the 2026 T20 World Cup in England. **Home Advantage at Mulpani** The stakes could not be higher for the Rhinos. The Global Qualifier is scheduled to run from January 12 to February 1, 2026, utilising both the Upper and Lower grounds in Mulpani, Kathmandu. Hosting the event provides Nepal with a distinct edge, allowing the team to leverage familiar conditions and home crowd support. However, the path to England will be gruelling. Ten nations will battle for four World Cup spots, meaning nearly half the field will advance—a massive opportunity for Associate nations. **The Road to Qualification** Nepal finds itself in Group B, a challenging pool that includes Asian rivals Bangladesh, along with Namibia, Papua New Guinea, and the Netherlands. Group A features a heavy-hitting lineup comprising Ireland, Scotland, Thailand, the USA, and Zimbabwe. The tournament structure is designed to reward consistency. Following a single round-robin group stage, the top three teams from each group will advance to the "Super 6" stage. Points carried forward, and further round-robin matches will determine the final standings, with the top four teams from the Super 6 punching their tickets to the main event in England in June 2026. ![](https://bootballer.com/storage/media/posts/QIJD6AVsjcxG4IPfj1LIy1APg2tiYLm9PR2mMoYJ.jpg) **A Mix of Youth and Experience** The preliminary squad reflects a balance of seasoned veterans and emerging talent. Long-time stalwarts like Rubina Chhetri and Sita Rana Magar return to anchor the side, bringing over a decade of international experience. They are joined by captain Indu Barma and key all-rounders like Kabita Kunwar and Puja Mahato, whose recent performances have been vital for the national side. The inclusion of talents like Sony Pakhrin and Seemana KC suggests that selectors are looking for dynamic options to field against higher-ranked opposition such as Bangladesh and Ireland. **Official 26-Player Preliminary Squad** Rubina Chhetri, Sita Rana Magar, Indu Barma, Bindu Rawal, Kajol Shrestha, and Roma Thapa. Kabita Kunwar, Kabita Joshi, Puja Mahato, Asmina Karmacharya, Ishwari Bist, Riya Sharma. Samjhana Khadka, Rajmati Airee, Somu Bista, Rachana Chaudhary, Rubi Poddar, Sana Praveen, Alisha Yadav, Sony Pakhrin, Laxmi Saud, Manisha Upadhyaya, Seemana KC, Anu Kadayat, Kiran Kunwar, and Mamata Chaudhary. **The Bigger Picture** The road to this qualifier has been long. Nepal earned their spot through the Asia Qualifier in Malaysia, alongside Thailand. Meanwhile, teams like Bangladesh and Scotland secured their places automatically via their participation in the 2024 T20 World Cup. With the training camp commencing Friday, the coaching staff will have just over a month to trim this list and fine-tune a starting XI capable of making history. For Nepali cricket, January isn't just about hosting a tournament; it's about taking the final step onto the global stage.

Volleyball, Esports and Off Field Updates

“Pokhara Sets the Stage: Tiger Cup 2026 Announces Mega Prizes & Media Partners”

Volleyball

431 views 2 weeks ago

“Pokhara Sets the Stage: Tiger Cup 2026 Announces Mega Prizes & Media Partners”

The Tiger Group of Pokhara, Nepal, has officially announced the prize structure and partnership pla...

Lumbini Lions Hold Nerve to Seal Final Playoff Spot, Eliminate Janakpur Bolts

Latest Updates

Visiting Teams Eager to Experience Nepal's Football Mania as Inaugural SAFF Club Championship Kicks Off

Royals Remain Untouchable: Lynn's Masterclass and Mehra's Web Spin Royals into Qualifier 1

Nepal Eyes History on Home Soil: 26-Member Preliminary Squad Announced for Critical World Cup Qualifier

SHAHAB ALAM'S SIX-WICKET MASTERCLASS AND SHARKI'S BLITZ VAULT KATHMANDU GORKHAS INTO PLAYOFFS

Sponsored

Football

Visiting Teams Eager to Experience Nepal's Football Mania as Inaugural SAFF Club Championship Kicks Off

10-Man Nepal Falls to Malaysia in Narrow 1-0 Defeat, Extending Winless Streak

Bangladesh Let Victory Slip in Final Minutes Despite Hamza Choudhury’s Brace Against Nepal

Cricket

Lumbini Lions Hold Nerve to Seal Final Playoff Spot, Eliminate Janakpur Bolts

Royals Remain Untouchable: Lynn's Masterclass and Mehra's Web Spin Royals into Qualifier 1

Nepal Eyes History on Home Soil: 26-Member Preliminary Squad Announced for Critical World Cup Qualifier

Volleyball, Esports and Off Field Updates

“Pokhara Sets the Stage: Tiger Cup 2026 Announces Mega Prizes & Media Partners”

Pokhara Ninjas Sweep Lalitpur Queens 3–0 to Earn First Win in Everest Women’s Volleyball League

Nepal U-19 Women’s Volleyball Team Set to Depart for CAVA Championship in Sri Lanka

NSJF Pulsar Sports Award 2081: Four More Categories' Contenders Announced

Nepal's HORAA Esports Shines at PUBG Mobile World Cup

FIFA's 'Football for Schools' Program Set to Kick Off in Nepal on Thursday

NSJF Pulsar Sports Award to Be Hosted Outside Kathmandu Valley for the First Time—Pokhara to Stage 22nd Edition

Kathmandu Gorkhas Unveil New Identity Ahead of NPL Season 2

End of an Era: Three Star Club Relegated as ANFA Ruling Confirms Use of Ineligible Players

Purushottam Kattel Appointed SAFF General Secretary

Mechinagar Gold Cup Set for Grand Kickoff as Preparations Conclude

Mechinagar Gold Cup Kicks Off with Hosts Kakarvitta Facing Georgian FC

Jhapa FC and Jhapa Gold Cup Ink Landmark Partnership for Football Development

Preparations Complete for Bhadrapur Jhapa Gold Cup: A Football Extravaganza Set to Kick Off

Mechinagar Gold Cup 2081 Unveils Logo Ahead of Fifth Edition

Mechinagar Gold Cup Returns After Five-Year Hiatus

Bhadrapur Jhapa Gold Cup 2081: Match Schedule Unveiled for Gambhir Rai Memorial Edition

Saurya Airlines and Om Sai Pathibhara Hospital Named Title Sponsors for Bhadrapur Jhapa Gold Cup 2081

Most Viewed Article

Newton Education and Children Environment Advance in the next stage of the Inter-School U-13 Knockout Football Tournament

Kakarvitta veteran to Host "Veteran Road Race-2082" on New Year's Day

Mechinagar Gold Cup 2081 Unveils Logo Ahead of Fifth Edition

Inter-Municipal Women's Football Tournament inaugural match turns to " SUNAKALA SHOW"

Mechinagar Gold Cup Returns After Five-Year Hiatus

Mechinagar Storms Into Semi-Finals of Women's Football Tournament