Jhapa, March 11

Tribhuvan Army Club defended the title of the fourth Mugmug Jhapa Gold Cup Football Tournament here at the Domalal Rajbanshi Stadium today.

TAC defeated home team Jhapa-XI Football Club 5-3 in the final match to win their third title. TAC had defeated the same opponents in the finals of the first and third editions. Jhapa, meanwhile, failed to lift the trophy despite playing in the final in all editions.

TAC scored two goals in the first half and added three more in the latter half, while the home side replied one in the first period and scored twice in the second half. Santosh Tamang scored a brace, while skipper Bharat Khawas, Tek Bahadur Budhathoki and Nawayug Shrestha netted one for TAC. Likewise, Yogesh Gurung, Francis and Victor struck one each for Jhapa.

The defending champions took the lead in the 24th minute when Santosh Tamang converted a free kick into the goal. Skipper Khawas doubled the tally 10 minutes later following a pass from Nawayug Shrestha. Francis reduced the deficit for Jhapa in the 43rd minute.

Gurung levelled the scores minutes after the resumption but Nawayug Shrestha put TAC ahead in the 75th minute and Santosh Tamang extended the lead making it 4-2 with his second goal of the match. Tek Bahadur Budhathoki then put the issue beyond doubt with his team’s fifth goal before Victor had the last laugh that only reduced the margin.

With the trophy, TAC received Rs 1.25 million, while Jhapa earned Rs 605,000. A total of

10 teams took part in the tournament.