By Bootballer Desk • Football • Feb 24, 2025 14:19 PM • 340 views
Bhadrapur, Falgun 12 – Bhutan's Daga United Football Club has entered the semi-finals of the prestigious Bhadrapur Jhapa Gold Cup International Invitational Knockout Football Tournament. The Bhutanese side will now face Jhapa-11 FC in a high-stakes semi-final clash.
Daga United edged past the Armed Police Force (APF) Football Club with a thrilling 3-2 victory in the last quarter-final fixture at Mechi Stadium, Bhadrapur.
Match Summary:
The game got off to an electrifying start, with Bhutan taking the lead in the 34th minute. Lakpa Pakhrin found the net after Suraj Rasaili brilliantly dispossessed three APF defenders in the penalty area, setting up Pakhrin's deflected shot past the APF goalkeeper.
Bhutan doubled their advantage two minutes later when Hemraj Bhujel finished a precise cross from Basant Newar with a stunning one-touch strike in the 36th minute.
However, APF fought back, reducing the deficit to 2-1 in the 59th minute through Dipesh Dhimal's well-placed header off a corner kick delivered by Mani Kumar Lama.
Daga United quickly restored their two-goal cushion in the 63rd minute. Bhujel, once again, capitalized on APF goalkeeper Anjal Shrestha's advanced positioning, dribbling past two defenders before slotting the ball into the net for his second of the match.
APF refused to back down and made it 3-2 in injury time when Suman Shrestha converted a penalty after Bhutan's Jamso Tenzing fouled Bipan Shrestha inside the box.
Key Moments:
In the 25th minute, Bhutan's Lakpa Pakhrin missed a golden opportunity, failing to convert a one-on-one chance against goalkeeper Anjal Shrestha.
In the 70th minute, APF keeper Shrestha pulled off a brilliant save to deny Bhujel's powerful strike outside the penalty area.
APF's Mani Kumar Lama saw his 43rd-minute shot blocked by Yubaraj Khadka's crucial defensive header.
Bhutan's goalkeeper Phunso Jigme denied Anish Maharjan in a one-on-one situation in the 61st minute.
In the 84th minute, Bhutan's goalkeeper Rupak punched away a close-range header from Suman Shrestha off a Mani Kumar Lama free kick.
Player of the Match:
Bhutan's Hemraj Bhujel was named Player of the Match for his exceptional performance. He received a cash prize of Rs 21,000 and a trophy.
Post-Match Reactions:
Bhutan head coach Dorji Khandu acknowledged the team's hard-fought victory against a resilient APF side. He hinted at possible squad changes for the semi-final clash to ensure a more potent lineup for a potential final berth.
APF coach Milan Rai, on the other hand, attributed his team's loss to fatigue, as the same squad had played in the KP Oli Cup before the tournament. He expressed frustration over the congested schedule, stating that ANFA's tournament planning negatively impacted player performance.
Upcoming Fixtures & Prize Details:
The first semi-final of the Saurya Air Om Sai Pathibhara Hospital Bhadrapur Jhapa gold cup International Invitational Knockout Football Tournament, Gambhir Rai Memorial Edition will feature Bhadrapur Blazers taking on Kawaran Bazaar Pragati Sangh (Bangladesh).
The champions of the Bhadrapur Jhapa Gold Cup will receive Rs. 1.3 million, along with a prestigious trophy and medals. The runner-up will be awarded Rs. 7 lakh, a trophy, and medals. The Best Player of the Tournament will take home Rs. 105,000, while awards of Rs. 25,000 will be presented to the Best Goalkeeper, Top Scorer, Emerging Player, and Coach.
Additionally, spectators were rewarded with exciting prizes, including a Himstar TV from Mahendra Ratna Store Birtamod, a dinner for two from the Airport Hotel, and two silver coins from the Gold and Silver Merchants Association, Bhadrapur Branch.
