By Bootballer Desk • Football • Mar 08, 2025 15:34 PM • 371 views
Jhapa, Nepal – Hosts Kakarvitta Training Center kicked off their 5th Mechinagar Gold Cup campaign emphatically, securing a thrilling 4-2 victory over Indian side Georgian FC in the tournament's opener on Saturday.
Nishan Limbu starred in the win, netting a brace, while Ibrahim and Robert added a goal each to seal Kakarvitta's place in the semi-finals. Satyam Sharma was the standout performer for Georgian FC, scoring both goals for the visiting side. Nishan was awarded the Player of the Match title for his stellar performance.
Kakarvitta will now face the winner of the quarterfinal clash between Uzbekistan's Black Bulls FC and Dharan FC on Falgun 28. Meanwhile, in the tournament's second match, Martyrs' Memorial 'A' Division League champions Church Boys United will face Nepal Super League (NSL) outfit Jhapa FC on Sunday.
Match Recap
The visitors took an early lead at the Kakarvitta ground, with Satyam Sharma breaking the deadlock in the 38th minute. His sublime free-kick from outside the box left Kakarvitta's goalkeeper, Biswas Chaudhary, with no chance.
However, the hosts responded just before halftime. A foul on Kakadvitta's foreign recruit Ibrahim inside the box led to a penalty, which Nishan Limbu confidently converted, sending Georgian goalkeeper Sachin Subba the wrong way.
Kakadvitta carried their momentum into the second half, striking again in the 51st minute. Ibrahim found himself unmarked inside the box and capitalized with a precise header to put the hosts ahead. The lead was extended further in the 61st minute when Nishan capitalized on a defensive lapse to slot home from outside the box.
Relentless in attack, Kakarvitta struck again in the 66th minute, with Robert delivering a powerful finish from inside the penalty area to make it 4-1. Georgian FC pulled one back with another stunning long-range effort from Satyam, but it was too late.
Tournament Highlights and Prize Details
The Mechinagar Gold Cup promises high-stakes competition and is organized with technical support from the Jhapa District Football Association and Mechinagar Khelkud Bikas Samiti. The tournament winner will receive Rs 1,000,000 in cash, while the runner-up will receive Rs 500,000.
Individual awards include Rs 51,000 for the tournament's best Player, Rs 25,000 for the top scorer, and Rs 21,000 for the best goalkeeper and coach. Emerging players will be recognized with a prize of Rs 15,000, while the Player of the Match in each fixture will be awarded Rs 11,000.
The action continues on Monday as Uzbekistan's Black Bulls FC takes on Dharan FC. Meanwhile, Machhindra Football Club will face the departmental side of the Nepal APF Football Club on Falgun 27.
Member of Parliament Gopal Tamang inaugurated the tournament, and Koshi Province Chief Minister Hikmat Karki will attend the closing ceremony as the chief guest.
