Butwal, March 25

Nepal APF Club defeated Rumpum Jhapa-XI 4-2 and advanced to the quarter-finals of the third Madan Bhandari International Gold Cup Football Tournament here in Ramnagar today.

APF’s Nabin Lama scored a hat-trick and Ram Kumar Kumal added one goal, while Jhapa’s Karna Limbu and Khamir Gilson Kandangwa netted a goal each.

Limbu put Jhapa ahead in the fifth minute before APF’s Kumal levelled the tally in the 18th minute. Lama provided the departmental team the lead in the 35th minute from the spot after Jhapa’s Kandangwa committed a foul inside the box. However, Kandangwa levelled scores in the 57th minute utilising a header pass from Karna Limbu.

Lama then scored two goals to complete a hat-trick and seal the victory for APF. He restored the lead in the 61st minute and extended the lead in the 89th minute. Lama was named the man-of-the-match and he got Rs 10,000.

APF coach Ratnakaji Maharjan said his side was able to make a comeback after his boys played a fast-paced game. “We conceded early goal as the players lost their rhythm. We then changed the strategy. As per the nature of the APF players, we increased our speed and were able to make a comeback,” said Maharjan.

Jhapa coach Prabesh Katwal slammed his players for being overconfident after taking the lead. “After scoring the opening goal, boys took the match lightly and that cost us dear. We also missed goal scoring chances after losing the team rhythm,” said Katwal.

On Monday, hosts Madan Bhandari Sports Academy will take on Tribhuvan Army Club.