Dharan, March 4:

Pravesh Katuwal scored the lone goal in the second half as Jhapa XI defeated Dharan (Blue) 1-0 in the inaugural match of the 10th Tuborg Budha Subba Gold Cup here at the Dharan Stadium today.

After a goalless first half, which was also marred by light drizzle, skipper Katuwal found the net in the 65th minute through a free kick from tight angle. Katuwal was named the man of the match.

Before conceding the goal, the hosts’ second-string team wasted almost half a dozen scoring chances. Jhapa goalkeeper Min Basnet denied a certain goal in the 16th minute when he saved Khagen Basnet’s difficult shot. Dharan (Blue) was unlucky moments later when Laxmi Shrestha’s spectacular header on a pass from Basnet went inches above the bar.

On Wednesday, Dharan (Red) will take on Samrat Sporting Club of Morang.

Earlier, vice president and spokesperson of All Nepal Football Association, Lalit Krishna Shrestha inaugurated the tournament, which is being organised by Dharan Football Association under the auspices of Dharan Municipality and sponsorship of Gorkha Brewery.