By Bootballer Desk • Football • Feb 20, 2025 13:46 PM • 291 views
Bhadrapur, Falgun 8 – Jhapa 11 FC has booked its place in the quarterfinals of the Saurya Air Om Sai Pathibhara Hospital G Bhadrapur Jhapa Gold Cup International Invitational Knockout Football Tournament with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Machhindra Football Club at Mechi Stadium.
Bobin Bohora emerged as the hero for Jhapa, netting the decisive goal in the 29th minute with a clinical one-touch finish from an Aaron Thapa cross. The goal secured Jhapa's progression and served as sweet revenge for their previous loss to Machindra in the Itahari Gold Cup.
Thrilling Encounter at Mechi Stadium The high-intensity clash saw both sides create multiple scoring opportunities, but resolute defending and impressive goalkeeping kept the scoreline tight. Jhapa had a golden chance in the 21st minute when Bohora found himself unmarked inside the box but failed to convert.
Machhindra came close to breaking the deadlock in the 20th minute when foreign recruit Omolaja Karim's header rattled the post following a corner from Sanis Shrestha. The Kathmandu-based outfit was frustrated again in the 38th minute as Jhapa's shot-stopper, Sandeep Limbu, pulled off a stunning save to deny Saurabh Limbu's powerful attempt.
Jhapa looked poised to double their lead in the second half. Hari Bahadur Ale Magar's thunderous shot in the 62nd minute was brilliantly kept out by Machindra's goalkeeper Bishal Shrestha. Jhapa's Pradeep Budhathoki also saw his shot from inside the penalty area saved in the 78th minute, while Alan Thapa squandered an opportunity in the 80th minute.
Machindra, desperate for an equalizer, continued to press forward. However, missed opportunities proved costly, with Abhishek Gurung, Dayanand Singh, and Sanish Shrestha failing to capitalize inside the penalty box in the 81st minute. Their best chance to level the scores came in the 86th minute when Aditya Shakya's powerful strike rattled the crossbar, leaving Machindra ruing their luck.
Jhapa's Goalkeeper Shines Jhapa's goalkeeper Sandip Limbu was instrumental in securing the victory, making a series of crucial saves to preserve his team's narrow lead. His heroic performance earned him the Player of the Match award, a trophy and a cash prize of Rs 21,000.
Jhapa 11 will now face Church Boys United in the quarterfinals as they continue their preparations for the upcoming B Division League. The first quarterfinal match on Friday will see hosts Bhadrapur Blazers take on Nepal Police Club.
Tournament Stakes and Prize Money The Bhadrapur Jhapa Gold Cup offers lucrative rewards. The tournament champion will receive Rs 1.3 million, an attractive trophy, and medals, while the runner-up will pocket Rs 700,000, along with a trophy and medals.
Additionally, the Best Player of the Tournament will be awarded Rs 105,000, while accolades for the Best Goalkeeper, Top Scorer, Emerging Player, and Best Coach each come with a cash prize of Rs 25,000. Every Player of the Match will receive Rs 21,000 throughout the tournament.
With high stakes and intense competition, this Gambhir Rai Memorial Edition of the Bhadrapur Jhapa Gold Cup continues to deliver top-class football, promising more thrilling encounters in the days ahead.
