Jhapa-XI see off HK Nepalese Academy

Players of Jhapa-XI Football Club (centre) and Hong Kong Nepalese Academy vie for the ball their fourth Mugmug Jhapa Gold Cup match in Birtamod on Monday. Photo: THT

Jhapa, March 4

Jhapa-XI Football Club saw off Hong Kong Nepalese Academy 1-0 and advanced to the semi-finals of the fourth Mugmug Jhapa Gold Cup here in Birtamod today.

Skipper Karna Limbu scored the solitary goal for hosts Jhapa in the first quarter-final match of the tournament.

Limbu scored in the 41st minute of the match with a header following a cross from Nishan Khadka.

Khadka was named the man-of-the-match and he received Rs.15,000.

At the Domalal Stadium grounds, the hosts were dominant and created a couple of chances but they could not add more goals against the visitors. Skipper Limbu could have given early lead in the eighth minute of the game but he headed the ball inches wide on a cross from Sanjog Rai. Limbu again shot wide following a pass from foreign recruit Francis Oniyama one minute later.

At the other half, Hong Kong were busy defending the ball in the first half but they were able to put pressure on Jhapa in the latter half. Hong Kong came close to equalising the scores in the 54th minute but Sanoze shot inches above the post.

Jhapa coach Prabes Katuwal said his players felt pressure while playing against African player-inspired Hong Kong team — which had six foreign recruits. “Our lads felt pressure in the match and we will put up an improved show in the next match,” he said.

Hong Kong Nepalese Academy Manager Nabin Rai said they could not score due to the lack of coordination among the players. “We have players from different places and could not create scoring chances as the boys lacked coordination,” he said.

On Tuesday, Nepal APF Club will play against Tribhuvan Army Club in the departmental derby for a berth in the last four.

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