Machhindra FC Clinches 7th Jhapa Gold Cup Title

Surunga (Jhapa), Feb 16: Machhindra Football Club claimed their first-ever title at the 7th Jhapa Gold Cup, defeating APF Football Club 3-1 in an exciting final.

Machhindra took the lead in the 31st minute when striker Pradeep Budhathoki scored following a pass from foreign recruit Ayola Hamjat. In injury time of the first half, Frank Anoh converted a long shot by Devendra Tamang into Machhindra’s second goal, giving the team a comfortable 2-0 lead.

APF was reduced to 10 men in the 76th minute after defender Man Bahadur Rana Magar received a red card. They managed to pull one back in the 82nd minute through Dipesh Dhimal from a free-kick by Biswas Udas. However, Machhindra sealed the victory a minute later when defender Alison Alizonov headed in a corner delivered by Hamjat.

Machhindra earned Rs. 1.5 million along with the trophy, while runner-up APF received Rs. 750,000. This year’s edition was dedicated to the late Binod Basnet, former Chairperson of the Gold Cup Management Committee, and featured the highest prize money in the tournament’s history.

Pradeep Budhathoki was named ‘Player of the Match’ in the final and awarded Rs. 25,000. Pema Tamang was declared the tournament’s best player, receiving a Yamaha motorcycle. Bishal Shrestha was named best goalkeeper, Prabhesh Katwal best coach, and Jonathan Zorilla top scorer, each receiving Rs. 35,000.

Additionally, Preeti Moktan of Birtamod won a Yamaha scooter in a lottery among spectators. The tournament featured departmental teams from Nepal, top ‘A’ division clubs, and clubs from India, Bhutan, and Malaysia.