By a Staff Reporter
Jhapa- Tribhuvan Army Football Club have lifted the title of Jhapa Gold Cup for the fourth time. Holders Army defended their title by defeating Jhapa XI Football Club 2-1 in the final on Monday. Army have won the title of Jhapa Gold Cup in every edition except the first one.
Meanwhile, it was the fifth time Jhapa XI finished second in the event.
Tek Bahadur Budhathoki and George Prince Karki were on target for Army while Bimal Gharti Magar scored a goal for Jhapa XI.
Army scored two first-half goals within a span of three minutes and maintained their lead to emerge victorious in the final held at Birtamode-based Domlal Rajbanshi Stadium.
Tek Bahadur Budhathoki had given Army the lead in the 18th minute while George Prince Karki beat Jhapa’s goalkeeper in the 21st minute to score in an empty net as he added another goal for the departmental team.
Bimal Gharti Magar cut the deficit to 2-1 in the 24th minute but Army held on to win the title. It was the fifth goal of Gharti Magar during this tournament. He had scored two goals each in the quarterfinal and semifinal matches.
Army, the winner of the fifth edition of Jhapa Gold Cup, were awarded cash prize of Rs 1.25 million while the runners-up walked home with Rs 605,000. The best goalkeeper, best defender, best midfielder and best coach were awarded with Rs 21,000 each while the best player of the tournament was awarded a motorbike. The highest goalkeeper was awarded Rs 25,000.
