KATHMANDU: Church Boys United emerged as the new champions of the Jhapa Gold Cup football tournament, defeating the Armed Police Force (APF) Football Club 3-0 in the final match held in Jhapa on Monday.
Nigerian striker Abayomi Olusesi Fakunle scored two goals, and Rajesh Pariyar added another to seal the championship for Church Boys.
Church Boys, the champions of the Martyr’s Memorial ‘A’ Division League, remained undefeated in the tournament, securing the title in their debut participation.
The winning team, Church Boys United, received a cash prize of Rs 1.3 million, while the runner-up APF FC had to settle for Rs 700,000.
Fakunle made his mark early in the game, scoring the first goal in the 12th minute.
Demonstrating skillful play, he bypassed the goalkeeper Angel Shrestha, leading to a well-executed goal.
The second goal came in the 72nd minute, with Fakunle once again taking charge. Making a strategic move from the midfield, he skillfully outplayed the goalkeeper to score another beautiful goal.
The third goal occurred in the 87th minute when substitute player Rajesh Pariyar found the net. Pariyar, entering the field in place of Vijay Bhujel, scored a splendid goal with an excellent pass from Fakunle.
Despite creating some opportunities, APF FC failed to capitalize on them.
In the 18th minute, Anish Maharjan missed a chance following a pass from APF’s Fode Fofana.
During the first-half injury time, Fofana’s strike led to a penalty kick, and Chyasal’s captain Deep Karki successfully converted it into a clean sheet.
Chyasal Club had additional opportunities to score, but APF FC’s goalkeeper Angel Shrestha successfully saved a strike from Viku Rai in the 31st minute.
In the 72nd minute, foreign player Andre Thera Viyek Viyek’s free-kick attempt was skillfully blocked by goalkeeper Deep.
Despite creating additional chances, Church Boys United failed to score more goals.
Suraj Jyuri Thakuri, representing Church Boys Club, was named the Player of the Match. He received a cash prize of Rs 11,000.
The Jhapa Gold Cup, which began on February 19, featured the participation of 10 teams, including those from Nepal’s ‘A’ Division.
Notably, Church Boys’ Deep Karki won the Best Goalkeeper award, Saroj Dika received the Best Defender award, Abayomi Fakunle was honored as the Best Forward, and Upendra Basnet emerged as the Best Midfielder.
The outstanding coach, the coach of Church Boys’ Ruwan Rai, and the captain of Jhapa 11, Pema Tamang, were also recognized during the award ceremony.
The Chief Guests at the event, including Bishwaprakash Sharma, Member of the House of Representatives, Secretary of the Koshi Pradesh Sports Development Board Hansaraj Wagley, ANFA President Pankaj Nembang, President of the International Jhapali Society Mukund Dhungana, Jhapa Gold Cup President Vinod Basnet, and former presidents Jalkumar Gurung and Mahendrakumar Giri, presented cash prizes, trophies, and medals to the winners.
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