Birtamod, 9 February. Host team Jhapa–11 Football Club defeated Sikkim’s Singling Sporting Club 4–3 in a tiebreak today in the first quarterfinal of the 7th Extreme Jhapa Gold Cup in Birtamod, securing a place in the semifinals.
After the regulation 90 minutes ended goalless, the match was decided directly by a tiebreak. In the tiebreak, Jhapa’s Roman Bhujel, Saurabh Dhimal, Rajesh Dahal, and Vivek Magar scored goals, while Singling’s Sonuhang Subba, Helmet Subba, and Suraj Tamang also scored. Singling’s Sujan Subba’s attempt was saved by Jhapa’s goalkeeper Vivek Magar, and Dipesh K.C.’s attempt went wide.
Throughout the match, Jhapa kept the opposition under pressure, but half a dozen attempts were wasted. From the 28th minute, Jhapa began attacking the opposition. Foreign player Olava made a powerful strike from the box, which was saved by Singling’s goalkeeper Wilson Sherpa. In the 38th minute, Jhapa’s Samir Tamang’s strike was saved, and in the 49th minute, his header went out after the goalkeeper’s intervention. Towards the end of regulation 90 minutes, Mausam Subba’s strike was also saved.
In the 59th minute, Singling’s captain Uttam Rai had a one-on-one chance but failed to score. Singling did not create any significant opportunities at the opposition goal.
Player of the Match was Jhapa–11’s goalkeeper Vivek Magar, who received a cash prize of NPR 25,000.
Tomorrow, Tuesday, the second quarterfinal will be between Tribhuvan Army Football Club and Laligurans Association Nepal Pokhara.
The tournament winner will receive a cash prize of NPR 1,500,000, and the runner-up will receive NPR 750,000. The best player will win a Yamaha motorcycle, while the best coach, top scorer, and best goalkeeper will each receive NPR 35,000.
