By Sachit Subba • Football • Feb 08, 2026 17:45 PM • 26 views
JHAPA – The seventh edition of the Jhapa Gold Cup opened with a seismic shift in power on Sunday, as four-time champions Tribhuvan Army FC ruthlessly dismantled defending titleholders Church Boys United with a clinical 3-0 victory.
Under the sweltering heat at the Domalal Rajbanshi Stadium, the "Armymen" delivered a tactical masterclass, dumping the heavy favourites out of the tournament in the very first round to secure their spot in the quarterfinals.
The Tactical Breakdown: Clinical Finishing
The deadlock was broken in the 27th minute when Nabin Lama met a pinpoint cross from Dinesh Henjan with a sophisticated one-touch finish, leaving the Church Boys' defence static.
The momentum swung entirely in the Army's favour during the first-half stoppage time. Captain Gillespie Jung Karki turned provider, floating a ball that found Nawayug Shrestha, who doubled the lead with a spectacular acrobatic strike—a goal that instantly became the highlight of the tournament so far.
The final nail in the coffin arrived via a set-piece masterclass. From 25 yards out, George Prince Karki stepped up and curled a stunning free-kick into the back of the net, effectively ending the contest.
Defensive Grit and Goalkeeping Heroics
While the Army dominated the scoresheet, Church Boys’ keeper Deep Karki was the only reason the deficit wasn't higher. In the 32nd minute, he produced a world-class save to deny a thunderous long-range effort from Kushal Deuba.
However, despite their status as the team to beat, Church Boys struggled to find their rhythm, failing to break down a disciplined Army backline that has historically dominated this venue.
Looking Ahead
The stakes remain high as the tournament progresses. The eventual champion is set to walk away with NPR 1.5 million, while the runner-up takes home NPR 750,000. On an individual level, the "Best Player" of the tournament will ride away on a brand-new Yamaha motorcycle.
Next Up: The quarterfinals kick off on Monday with a high-stakes clash between local favourites Jhapa 11 FC and India’s Singling Sporting Club, Sikkim.
