By Sachit Subba • Football • Feb 10, 2026 12:57 PM • 57 views
BIRTAMOD – Four-time champions Tribhuvan Army Football Club secured their spot in the semifinals of the 7th Extreme Jhapa Gold Cup on Tuesday, though they were forced to take the scenic route to victory. In a high-stakes encounter at the Domalal Rajbanshi Stadium, the departmental giants survived a relentless challenge from Laligurans Association Pokhara, eventually clinching the win 4-2 on penalties after a scoreless regulation time.
A Tale of Two Halves
The match was a classic game of momentum swings. Pokhara dominated the opening 45 minutes, frequently catching the Army defence off guard. Their best opportunity came in the 30th minute when Mukunda Kumar Nyure found himself in a one-on-one situation with the keeper, only to squander the golden chance.
The Army found its footing in the second half, mounting a series of late-game assaults. In the 79th minute, a thunderous strike from George Prince Karki was brilliantly punched away by Pokhara’s Anish Mahato. The pressure reached a boiling point during injury time when Gillespy Jung Karki missed an unmarked opportunity, followed immediately by a George Prince header that rattled the crossbar.
Heroics Between the Posts
When the final whistle blew, the fate of the match rested on the shoulders of the goalkeepers. Army’s veteran keeper, Vikesh Kuthu, rose to the occasion.
For the Army: Navin Lama, Bimal Tamang, George Prince Karki, and Vikesh Kuthu all converted their spot-kicks with clinical precision. For Pokhara: While Tika Raj Gurung and Sudip Gurung found the net, Lakshu Thapa fired wide, and Bisan Gurung’s attempt was heroically parried away by Kuthu.
Kuthu’s dual contribution—scoring a penalty and making a decisive save—earned him the Player of the Match honours along with a NPR 25,000 cash prize.
Tournament Stakes and Fan Engagement
The Jhapa Gold Cup continues to prove why it is one of the region’s most prestigious tournaments, blending high-level football with massive fan incentives.
The Prize Pool: The tournament winner is set to take home NPR 1.5 million, while the runner-up will receive NPR 750,000. Individual accolades for the best coach, high scorer, and best goalkeeper carry a prize of NPR 35,000 each, with the "Player of the Tournament" receiving a Yamaha motorcycle.
The organisers are also rewarding the faithful crowds. Local resident Devi Karki won a 32-inch LED TV through a lucky draw held for ticket holders—a daily giveaway sponsored by Mahendra Ratna Stores. A Yamaha scooter also remains up for grabs for one lucky spectator at the end of the tournament.
What’s Next?
The action continues on Wednesday as the Armed Police Force (APF) FC takes on Bhutan’s Royal Thimphu College in what promises to be an intriguing international clash.
