Sagarmatha Youth Club team members celebrate with the trophy after the 13th Itahari Gold Cup in Sunsari on Saturday. Photo: THT

Sunsari, March 25

Sagarmatha Youth Club defended the title of the 13th Control Itahari Gold Cup Football Tournament here at the Itahari Stadium today.

Sagarmatha defeated A division outfit Church Boys United in sudden death in the final match. Skipper Mahindra Karki scored the winning goal for Sagarmatha in the first kick of sudden death, while Manoj Rai of United shot over the bar.

The match went to penalties after both the teams failed to score in regulation period and it was decided in the first kick of sudden death after all five players from both sides converted their shots from the spot.

In penalty shootout, Abhishek Limbu, Messuke Oloumou, Stephen Binong, Rajiv Lopchan and Bibek Barma scored from the spot for Sagarmatha, while Franklin Talla, Ranjeet Pandey, Milan Rai, Bempa and goalkeeper Priso converted their shots for United.

Along with the trophy, Sagarmatha received one million rupees, while Church Boys United earned Rs 500,000.

Sagarmatha skipper Mahendra Karki was declared the best player of the tournament and he received Rs 100,000. Karki's teammates Dev Limbu (goalkeeper), Bishal Basnet (defender), Stephen Binong (forward) and coach Yam Gurung also received best individual awards.

Mousam Limbu of United was named the best midfielder. The individual award winners received Rs 20,000 each.

Machhindra Football Club's Afeez Olawale, who scored five goals in two matches, won the highest scoreràaward along with Rs 30,000.

A version of this article appears in the print on March 26, 2023, of The Himalayan Times.