Jhapa, April 9

Tribhuvan Army Club (TAC) lifted the title of the first International Invitational Football Tournament with a 1-0 victory over Jhapa-XI here on Saturday.

In the final played at the Domalal Stadium in Birtamod, Nawayug Shrestha scored the solitary goal of the match in the 22nd minute. He found the nets following a cross from Bimal Rana Magar and the goal was enough for the TAC to win first title of the season. Along with the trophy, TAC received Rs 600,000, while hosts Jhapa got Rs 300,000. Shrestha was named the man-of-the-match and received Rs 5,000.

Jhapa-XI made three attempts in the first half but the Army defenders and goalkeeper Bikesh Kuthu were too strong for them. The TAC players also bagged three individual awards with Kuthu, Shrestha and Chun Bahadur Thapa receiving the best goalkeeper, forward and coach honours respectively. Devendra Tamang and Yogesh Gurung of Jhapa were declared the best defender and midfielder respectively. All the five individuals got Rs 15,000 each.

Karna Limbu of Jhapa, who scored seven goals in tournament, was adjudged the most valuable player of the tournament. He received Rs 25,000 along with a motorcycle. Ashok Rai of Jhapa was named the rising player and was rewarded with a Sony mobile set. In all, 10 teams took part in the tournament.