By a Staff Reporter
Kathmandu – Hosts KP FC secured their spot in the semi-final of the ongoing KP Oli Cup sidelining Jawalakhel Youth Club (JYC) 5-4 in the penalty shootout.
The regulation time had nothing to separate as both teams found the back of the net once before the match referee Nabindra Maharjan blew the final whistle.
JYC’s defender Rahul broke the deadlock three minutes before going into the break. KP FC’s custodian Purna Chemjong failed to clear Abdulaziz Nishonboev’s corner kick which Rahul took advantage of and converted the ball that dropped right in his front.
Ajayi Martins then scored in the 69th minute to let shootouts decide the fate of both teams. Siphamandia Scelo Mathenjwa’s header from the halfway found Ajayi Martins Kayode who fired the ball into the goalpost from the edge of the box to bring his side back in the match.
In the shootout, KP FC’s goalie Purna Chemjong saved the final penalty from JYC’s Nkoto S. Masoabi to confirm the hosts’ spot in the semi-final. Earlier, Simanta Thapa, Samiraj Thokar, Fode Fofana, and Abdulaziz made no mistake from the spot. Purna was later adjudged Player of the match.
Meanwhile, Skipper Bikram Lama, Aditya Shakya, Ashok Khawas, Laken Limbu, and Anil Maharjan were the penalty takers from the KP FC.
The hosts will now take on Machhindra FC in the semifinal on Monday after the semifinal match between Satdobato Youth Club and Tribhuvan Army Club on Sunday. The finale of the tournament will be played in Dashrath Stadium on Wednesday.
The National Youth Federation is organizing KP Oli Cup National Football Tournament from February 23 to 28 where the champions will purse NRs. 1 Million and the runners-up will receive NRs. 5 Lakhs. Likewise, the Most Valuable Player of the tournament will be rewarded with NRs. 1 Lakh. Moreover, the best goalkeeper, the best goal scorer, and the emerging player will earn NRs. 50 thousand each.
Furthermore, the organizers will award NRs. 25,000 to the winning team of each match and 15,000 rupees to the player of the match.
