Kathmandu, October 24

Jhapa-XI advanced to the final of the 36th All India Governor’s Gold Cup Football Tournament in Sikkim today.

Jhapa beat Gangtok Himalayan Sporting Club 1-0 in the first semi-final match of the tournament at the Paljor Stadium. Naren Mani Limbu scored the solitary goal of the match in the injury time to guide Jhapa to the final in their maiden appearance.

Jhapa got the opportunity to participate in the tournament after another ‘A’ division club of Nepal, Laxmi Hyundai Manang Marshyangdi Club withdrew from the event at the last moment. The organizers invited Jhapa after the withdrawal of MMC. Jhapa will become third Nepali club to claim the title of Governor’s Gold Cup if they win the final match on Thursday. Ruslan Three Star Club won the trophy twice in 2008 and 2013, while New Road Team claimed the title in 2007.

Jhapa will face the winners of the second semi-final match between Mohammadan Sporting Club and Sikkim Akraman Football Club of Gangtok. Earlier, Jhapa defeated SEB Kerala 4-1 to reach the quarter-finals before beating defending champions ONGC Mumbai 4-3 in tie-breaker to earn a place in the last four.