APF Pakali Edge Urlabari FC on Penalties to Reach Kakarvitta Champions Cup Final
KAKARVITTA — APF Pakali held their nerve in a penalty shootout to become the first team into the Kakarvitta Champions Cup 2083 final, beating Urlabari Football Team 5-4 after a 1-1 draw in Wednesday's opening semi-final at Kakarvitta Khel Maidan. The departmental side started strongly, taking an early lead within three minutes when Yubaraj Khadka reacted to defensive confusion to score. APF’s pressing set the pace in the opening spell, leaving Urlabari struggling for rhythm. However, the Morang-based side gradually settled and began creating chances, though Bibek Rai's early booking in the first half showed their physical battle in midfield. Urlabari emerged from the interval with renewed urgency and equalised in the 53rd minute. Oshin Rai used space inside the box to level the match, setting up a tense second half. APF Pakali’s early scorer, Yubaraj Khadka, was booked in the 76th minute as tempers rose in the closing stages. Late tactical changes from both benches—Urlabari brought on Krisal in the 70th minute, while APF introduced Kishan, Adip, and Mandip—failed to break the deadlock before the final whistle.  With 90 minutes and stoppage time unable to produce a winner, the first semi-final went straight to a shootout. APF Pakali showed composure from 12 yards, converting all five of their attempts to seal their place in the final. Sujan Chaudhary set the pace, followed by strikes from Bishal Bhandari, Shyam Magar, Pujan Thapa, and Roman Bhujel. Urlabari matched them through Asish Lawati, Tanka Khadka, Kiran Shankar, and Oshin Rai. But the pressure finally told when Bibek Rai's effort was saved by Sujan BK, who was later adjudged player of the match, handing APF Pakali a hard-fought victory and sending Urlabari out.
