Sankata Club eke out a 1-0 win over Dauphins FC and send the Cameroonian outfits packing home from the first match of the Khaptad Gold Cup football tournament in Dhangadhi on Tuesday. 

Sankata’s Cameroonian recruit Ellon Maxwell struck the winning goal in the second minute of the game to send the Martyrs Memorial ‘A’ Division League runners-up in the semi-finals. Maxwell beat goalie Gurllaunce in one-on-one situation after he collected a long pass from Laxman Ruchal. Winger Ruchal could have doubled their advantage in the 12th minute but he failed to beat the diving Cameroonian goalie Gurllaunce inside the area. The first half stoppage time saw Dauphins skipper Joseph fire off target from the edge of the area. 

Dauphins also wasted scoring opportunity five minute after restart as Junior headed wide in Armel’s cross in a situation where Sankata goalkeeper Raja Babu Thapa was out of his position. Nia also came closer to scoring in the 53rd minute only to see his header sail inches wide following a pass from Tina. Tina also squandered another chance for Dauphins two minutes from time as he fired off target in a Junior pass. Sankata skipper and central defender Rabi Silwal was declared man-of-the-match and won Rs 10,000. Sankata will take on Nepal Police Club on Thursday for a place in the final. 

Dauphins coach Ashik Thapa Magar said that his team could not perform to its potential due to the lengthy travel. “The players were jet lagged and failed to give their best,” said Magar. Sankata coach Salyan Khadgi said his team played according to the plan and eked out a win. “We should have scored more goals in the first half and we resorted to protecting the lead after the break,” said Khadgi. Organised by the Far West XI Football Club, the tournament offers Rs 2.1 million to the champions and Rs 1 million to runners-up.

Jhapa XI see off Royal FC 4-2

Jhapa XI hammered Royal FC of Siliguri 4-2 to enter the semi-finals of the Bishal Gold Cup football tournament on Tuesday.

Ashish Chapagain struck twice while Shakti Rai and Bikesh Limbu added one goal each for the Jhapa side who were coming straight here after clinching the Falgunanda Gold Cup title in Panchthar on Monday. Siddhant Chhetri and Brian Rai replied for the Indian outfits.

Chapagain gave Jhapa an early eighth minute lead as he converted from a freekick just at the edge of the area. Jhapa went into the break with a two-goal cushion as Chapagain added his second from penalty. Jhapa was awarded the spot kick after a Royal defender tripped Shakti Rai inside the area. Despite a strong Royal protest, the spot kick stood and man-of-the-match Chapagain stepped in to convert it. Royal’s search for goal finally arrive in the 56th minute through Chhetry. But Jhapa restored their two-goal lead when Shakti dribbled past Royal defence before ramming home the goal. The game was far from over as Brian Rai made it 3-2 with 10 minutes to go. Bikesh Limbu settled the Jhapa nerves when he capitalised on a Milan Rai pass to score the fourth goal in the 86th minute.

Jhapa coach Santosh Gurung said his players excelled even his own expectation after coming from such a long travel and hectic schedule of competing in the Falgunanda Gold Cup. Royal FC coach Sachindra Dhimal blamed the defeat to the poor refereeing decisions. Birgunj XI will take on Himalayan Sherpa Club in the first semi-final on Wednesday. Jhapa will play Tribhuvan Army Club in another last-four clash on Thursday.