By Bootballer Desk • Football • Mar 12, 2025 14:19 PM • 359 views
Jhapa – The hosts have delivered under pressure.Kakarvitta Football Training Center booked their place in the final of the 5th Mechinagar Gold Cup with a dramatic victory over Dharan FC, edging them 5-4 in a nerve-wracking penalty shootout on Wednesday at the Kakarvitta Ground in Mechinagar.
With regulation time ending in a 1-1 stalemate, the hosts held their nerve in sudden death to send the home crowd into raptures and secure a shot at the title.
Dharan FC struck first, taking the lead in the 34th minute when Suraj Rasaili coolly converted a well-crafted pass from skipper Milan Rai. But Kakarvitta responded in the second half through Hemant Limbu, who rose highest to head home a perfectly delivered corner from Bibek Gurung in the 69th minute.
With no breakthrough in regulation, it all came down to spot-kicks. Dharan's Milan Rai, Sabin Rai, Prajwal Thapa, and Ajay Bista found the back of the net, but crucial misses from Suraj Jimmy and Roman Limbu proved costly.
For Kakarvitta, Abhishek Gurung, Diwas Urau, Nishan Limbu, Bibek Gurung, and Franklin Tala held their nerve from the spot. Hemant Limbu was the only player to miss, his shot rattling the post.
Kakarvitta will now meet the winner of Thursday's second semifinal between Church Boys United and Machhindra Football Club in what promises to be an electrifying finale.
The stakes are high—the champion will receive Rs 1 million in cash, while the runner-up will receive Rs 500,000.
