By Bootballer Desk • Football • Feb 19, 2025 13:48 PM • 79 views
Birtamod, Falgun 7 – Hosts Bhadrapur Blazers kicked off their campaign in style with a thrilling 4-3 victory over India's Darjeeling Police in the inaugural match of the Saurya Air Om Sai Pathibhara Hospital Gambhir Rai Memorial Bhadrapur Jhapa Gold Cup International Invitational Knockout Football Tournament at Mechi Stadium, Bhadrapur.
In the third minute, Bhadrapur took an early lead when foreign recruit Sam Carlos found the net with a clinical strike from 18 yards. The hosts doubled their advantage in the 39th minute as Darjeeling goalkeeper Nigam Singh parried Milan Rai's powerful shot, only for captain Ashish Chapagain to capitalize on the rebound.
Momentum remained with the Blazers as Satyam Sharma made it 3-0 in the 42nd minute with a solo effort from midfield, beating the keeper one-on-one. The game seemed comfortably in Bhadrapur's control, but Darjeeling Police staged a spirited comeback after the break.
Darjeeling pulled one back in the 50th minute when Prashant Rai slotted home from inside the penalty area. The deficit was further reduced in the 55th minute as an unmarked Nayan Pradhan netted a fine goal from an Ashish Dewan cross. The visitors then completed a stunning comeback in the 70th minute, with Ruud Gullit drawing the game level at 3-3.
However, the Blazers responded swiftly. In the 72nd minute, Pratap Rai latched onto a cross from Bishal Darji to restore Bhadrapur's lead, sealing the hosts' passage to the quarter-finals.
Despite a late charge from Darjeeling, they failed to find the equalizer.
Ashish Chapagain was named Player of the Match and received a cash prize of Rs. 21,000. Speaking post-match, Bhadrapur head coach Sachindra Dhimal acknowledged the pressure in the second half but credited his substitutes for securing the win. Darjeeling coach Shiva Tamang admitted that his team struggled after conceding early but showed a commendable fight in the latter stages.
The tournament continues on Thursday, with Jhapa 11 FC set to take on Machhindra Football Club. The prestigious Bhadrapur Jhapa Gold Cup is sponsored by Saurya Airlines and Om Sai Pathibhara Hospital, with coordination from Bhadrapur Municipality and the Jhapa District Sports Development Committee.
The champion will receive Rs. 1.3 million, along with a trophy and medals, while the runner-up will be awarded Rs. 700,000. Individual accolades, including Best Player of the Tournament (Rs. 105,000) and Top Performer awards for goalkeeper, top scorer, emerging player, and coach (Rs. 25,000 each), will also be up for grabs. The total estimated cost of the tournament is Rs. 17.8 million.
The opening ceremony, attended by dignitaries including National Assembly member and Nepali Congress leader Krishna Prasad Sitaula, was presided over by Gold Cup President Dipesh Dhakal. Bhadrapur Mayor Ganesh Pokharel extended his best wishes to all participating teams as the competition promises more thrilling encounters.
