By Bootballer Desk • Football • Mar 11, 2025 13:22 PM • 132 views
Mechinagar, Jhapa—Two-time Martyrs' Memorial 'A' Division League champions Machhindra Football Club booked their place in the semifinals of the 5th Mechinagar Gold Cup, edging out APF Club side 1-0 in a tightly contested quarter-final clash on Tuesday at the Kakarvitta Ground in Mechinagar.
The match was decided by a moment of brilliance in first-half stoppage time. Nigerian forward Yusuf Malik latched onto a pinpoint cross from fellow foreign recruit Stephen Kamah, clinically finishing with a single touch to hand Machhindra the decisive lead.
Despite a flurry of chances in the second half, both teams failed to convert, with APF pushing hard for an equalizer and Machhindra seeking to double their lead on the break. However, the solitary goal was enough to seal the victory. Malik's all-around performance earned him the Player of the Match honours and a cash prize of NPR 11,000.
With this result, the semifinal lineup is now complete. Machhindra will face 'A' Division giants Church Boys United, who advanced a dramatic 5-4 sudden-death win over Jhapa FC in their quarFC in-final clash.
In the other semifinal, Hosts Kakarvitta Football Training Center will take on Dharan FC. Kakarvitta earned their spot with a commanding 4-2 win over Georgia FC of India, while Dharan outlasted Black Bulls FC of Uzbekistan 5-3 on penalties after a gripping contest.
The grand finale of the 5th Mechinagar Gold Cup is set for Saturday, with the champions walking away with NPR 1 million, while the runners-up will receive NPR 500,000.
