By Sachit Subba • Football • Apr 20, 2025 14:44 PM • 89 views
Rautahat District Football Association delivered a composed and confident performance on Sunday, dispatching hosts Banke 11 by a commanding 3-0 margin to secure their place in the semi-final of the Lumbini Cup Women's Football Tournament.
Semi-finals were played at a lively Nepalgunj Stadium, and the visitors stamped their authority early and never looked back. Goals from Jennifer Rana Magar, Samiksha Rai, and Indian player Piuli Roy highlighted a dominant outing for a Rautahat side built around players with experience in Nepal's age-group teams.
Jennifer opened the scoring in the 27th minute, expertly nodding in a pinpoint cross from Senu Pariyar with a well-timed header from six yards out. That strike gave Rautahat a 1-0 cushion heading into halftime.
The second half saw Rautahat step up the tempo. Just minutes after the restart, Samiksha Rai doubled the lead, finishing off a slick assist from Jennifer, who was central to every attacking move. The third and final goal came through Indian forward Piuli Roy, again on the back of a superb pass from the irrepressible Jennifer.
Simran Rai's solid midfield performance earned her the Player of the Match honour as Rautahat sealed a smooth passage into the final four.
The eight-team tournament — a first of its kind — features a mix of departmental heavyweights and provincial teams. With Banke 11, Sudurpaschim Province FA, and India's Siliguri FC already eliminated, the competition now inches closer to its climactic finish.
Organized in collaboration with the Banke District Football Association, the Lumbini Cup promises a winner's purse of Rs 505,555, with the runner-up set to receive Rs 250,000 and trophies and medals. Individual brilliance will be recognized, with daily Player of the Match awards and end-of-tournament accolades for standout performers.
All eyes now turn to APF's matchup with Karnali Province on Monday—the final quarter-final that will determine Rautahat's next opponent.
