Himalayan News Service

Dharan, February 25:

Jibesh Pandey scored the only goal as Jawalakhel Youth Club (JYC) registered a historical win over three-time champions Mahendra Police Club (MPC) 1-0 and entered the final of the seventh Budha Subba Tuborg Gold Cup Football Tournament, here at Dharan Stadium today. Jibesh Pandey scored the winner through a penalty kick, which JYC earned after MPC defender Rakesh Shrestha handled the ball inside the D-Box in the 69th minute. Referee Madhu Sudan Khanal first ruled out the spot kick, but later decided to award the penalty after consulting linesmen when JYC players, backed by spectators, continued their appeal for a long time.

“Today we created history in Nepali football,” said escastic JYC coach Kishor KC. He further said, “Today my boys proved that a good show always has a good result.” Boosted by the win, KC decalred that his team was strong enough to clinch the title. JYC will now face the national league champions Three Star Club on Saturday. Out of the five times they entered the tournament, the policemen claimed the title thrice before and had made it to the final in the other two occasions.

On the other hand, MPC coach Yugambar Suwal did not accept his team’s loss and claimed, “The referee decided under pressure which was the reason for our loss.” In this edition, both top teams — defending champions Manang Marsyangdi Club and Mahendra Police Club — had to face losses in the semi-finals. The final will be a historical one as both the TSC and JYC reached the final in their first participation. Hari Khadka and Jumanu Rai, who were expected to shine in the match failed to create any move during the match, while Ananta Thapa and Ramesh Budhathoki failed to utilise on their opportunities.

Jawalakhel’s Raj Kumar Ghising was adjudged the man of the match. Mahendra Police Club’s Anil Adhikari and Prashant Giri of Jawalakhel Youth Club were cautioned during the match.