By Bootballer Desk • Football • Mar 09, 2025 15:25 PM • 386 views
Jhapa – Church Boys United have punched their ticket to the semi-finals of the Mechinagar Gold Cup after a dramatic sudden-death victory over Nepal Super League side Jhapa FC at the Kakarvitta Ground on Sunday.
In a match that had everything — nerves, drama, and clutch moments — the Church Boys held their nerve when it mattered most. After a goalless first half and one goal apiece in the second, the pulsating quarter-final clash headed into a penalty shootout. With both sides locked even after the initial five spot-kicks, sudden death ensued — and that's where Church Boys found their edge.
The hero of the shootout was goalkeeper Tikendra Thapa, who stood tall under pressure. He produced a crucial save to deny Jhapa's Dhirendra Bista and seal the win for the Martyrs' Memorial A Division League champions. His heroic performance between the posts earned him Player of the Match honours.
Church Boys were clinical from the spot, with Rajesh Pariyar, Jaya Gurung, Kumar Gurung, Nigerian forward Aboyumi Fakunle, and Tikendra Thapa himself converting. Jhapa responded through Roshan Pahari, Prabit Basnet, Bafour, and Gaurav Dhimal, but a missed effort from Abhishek Syangtang left them on the back foot early in the shootout.
Earlier in regulation time, Richard Wilson gave Church Boys the lead in the 69th minute, capitalizing on a defensive error by Serge Dika, who misjudged a cross from Fakunle. Wilson pounced on the loose ball inside the box and slotted home with composure.
However, Jhapa clawed back late in the game. Substitute captain Shyam Murmu, who had replaced Aryan Rai, brought parity in the dying moments with a scrappy goal in a crowded penalty area to force the shootout.
With the win, Church Boys now await the winner of the upcoming clash between departmental giants APF Club and Machhindra FC, scheduled for Falgun 29, for a place in the final.
Meanwhile, Black Bulls FC of Uzbekistan will face Dharan FC on Monday. The winner will face hosts Kakarvitta FC in the semi-final. Kakadvitta opened the tournament with an impressive 4–2 win over India's Georgian FC.
Church Boys United continues to showcase the pedigree of a title contender, driven by big-game mentality and clutch performances as the stakes rise
