POKHARA, March 7: JHAPA XI has stunned the A-Division outfit Armed Police Force (APF) Club 5-3 in the tie-breaker to advance into the quarterfinals of the ongoing Aaha Rara Gold Cup in Pokhara on Friday.
In the match played at the Pokhara Stadium, Jhapa goalkeeper Raj Kumar Limbu played a decisiverole to help his team in the tie-breaker.
The match was pushed to extra time after the regulation time ended 0-0, but the teams scored a goal each in the extra time and the match was further pushed to the tie-breaker.
APF stuns Manang to reach Aaha Rara quarters
Jhapa captain Ankur Tamang, Mausam Limbu, Pramod Chaudhary, Hemant Thapa Magar and Bishal Darji scored in the tie-breaker, while only Nabin Lama, Rajeev Lopchan and Raju Nagarkoti scored for the losing departmental team. Jhapa goalkeeper Limbu saved Sudip Sikhrakar’s spot-kick.
Earlier, the match was pushed to the penalty shootout as Jhapa could not hold on to its extra time lead.
Jhapa scored the first goal of the game through Sunil Khaka in the 111th minute. Despite playing under pressure against an attacking APF side, it was able to score a goal converting in a pass from Abhishek Gurung.
APF then equalized in the last minute of the extra time as Aakash Budhamagar hit a shot which hit the post and then hit the rebound aftergoalkeeper Limbu spilled theball.
APF got a chance from the spot in the 53rd minute as goalkeeper Limbu fouled APF’s Nabin Lama inside the box. But, Lama’s shot from the spot was saved by Limbu.
The organizer Pokhara’s Sahara Club informed that the quarterfinal matches will start from Saturday.
The host Sahara Club will take on the other departmental team Nepal Police Club in the first quarterfinal match.
