Jhapa XI Rule the East: Late Drama Secures Second Birat Gold Cup Title
BIRATNAGAR – In a clash defined by tactical patience, Jhapa XI reasserted their dominance in Nepali football. They clinched the 38th edition of the prestigious Birat Gold Cup after a late-game scoring blitz. Under the floodlights of Sahid Stadium on Sunday night, Jhapa XI silenced a passionate home crowd. They defeated the hosts, Samrat Sporting Club, 2–1 in a high-stakes final. The match lived up to its billing as the premier footballing event of Eastern Nepal. **The Breakthrough: Minutes of Magic** The encounter began cagey, with both sides locked in a defensive stalemate throughout the first half. While Samrat Sporting’s Suraj Tamang tested the reflexes of Jhapa’s custodian, Vishal Sunar, and Jhapa’s Sulaman King narrowly missed the target, the scoreboard remained unticked at the interval. The deadlock finally broke in the 81st minute, triggering a frenzied finish: **The Opener**: Rajesh Dahal broke the deadlock. He latched onto a pinpoint long-range distribution from goalkeeper Vishal Sunar. Dahal’s composure in front of the goal shifted the momentum entirely in Jhapa’s favour. **The Insurance Goal**: Minutes later, Jhapa doubled their lead. Fagu Ram Tharu—eventual top scorer—delivered a clinical pass to Diwas Urau. Urau finished with precision, all but sealing the title. **The Consolation**: Samrat Sporting refused to go quietly. In stoppage time, Saurav Tamang pulled one back for the hosts. The final whistle blew shortly after, confirming Jhapa as the two-time champions.  **Spoils of Victory and Individual Excellence** This is Jhapa XI’s first Birat Gold Cup since 2015 against Nepal Army Club. Jhapa earned Rs. 1.1 million, with runners-up Samrat Sporting receiving Rs. 500,000. The post-match ceremony was a sweep for the Jhapa camp. After their triumphant performance, the awards ceremony showcased Jhapa XI's dominance throughout the tournament. The final's hero, Rajesh Dahal, was named Player of the Match for his tie-breaking goal. He earned a cash prize of Rs. 11,000. The individual accolades continued to pour in for the champions, as Fagu Ram Tharu secured the Top Scorer title for his clinical finishing throughout the campaign. Defensively, Vishal Sunar was honoured as the Best Goalkeeper for his safe hands and crucial distribution, while the tactical mastermind behind the victory, Santosh Basnet, was recognised as the Best Coach. Despite the loss, Samrat Sporting’s Ashok Khawas was named the tournament's Best Player, in recognition of his exceptional individual contribution to the host team's run to the final. **A Regional Icon** The Birat Gold Cup remains one of the most storied knockout tournaments in Nepal . This year’s edition featured an eight-team competitive field, including invited sides from India, further cementing its reputation as a vital platform for regional talent. For Jhapa XI, this title is more than a trophy—it’s a message. After a decade, the “Kings of the East” have reclaimed their throne.
