BARA, APRIL 8
Tribhuvan Army Club marched into the quarterfinals of the Jeetpursimra Gold Cup after a hard-fought battle against Birgunj United Club, on Sunday.
Despite the fervent support from their home fans, Birgunj found themselves edged out of the competition after relinquishing their early lead.
Birgunj gained an initial lead with Phaguram Chaudhary's penalty kick in the 41st minute, capitalizing on a foul by Army defender Suraj Basnet. However, Army's Kamal Thapa swiftly equalized just before halftime, deftly converting Suraj Basnet's corner ball in the 44th minute.
The second half saw Army seize control as Dinesh Hemjan's spectacular free-kick in the 61st minute left Birgunj goalkeeper Pramijay Gachchdar rooted to the spot. Birgunj fought back aggresive attack on the goal line, with Chaudhary netting his second goal in the 82nd minute, only for Phatteman Ghale to secure victory for Army in injury time.
Army's Dinesh Hemjan was declared Man of the Match.
Meanwhile, at Simara Rangashala, Siraha Youth Club booked their spot in the Simara Gold Cup semifinals by overcoming former champions Church Boys United Club in a thrilling encounter.
Siraha took an early lead with Ashish Chapagain's goal in the 14th minute, but Church Boys United leveled the score through Rajesh Pariyar in the 51st minute.
Undeterred, Siraha swiftly regained the lead thanks to an own goal from Church Boys' defender Ekraj Budhathoki in the 63rd minute. Despite Church Boys' persistence, Siraha held on, until a late goal-line clearance turned into an unexpected score for Church Boys in the 73rd minute.
With tensions high and time running out, Shisir Lekhi sealed the deal for Siraha with a last-gasp goal in injury time, leaving Church Boys stunned.
Shishir Lekhi of Siraha was named the Man of the Match.
