By Sachit Subba • Football • Feb 13, 2026 13:01 PM • 25 views
BIRTAMOD – In a high-stakes semifinal that pushed both nerves and skill to the limit, APF Football Club secured their spot in the final of the 7th Jhapa Gold Cup on Friday. The departmental side overcame a resilient host, Jhapa XI, winning 4-2 in a penalty shootout following a 1-1 deadlock at the Domalal Rajbanshi Stadium.
The victory guarantees APF at least the runner-up purse of Rs 750,000, though their eyes are firmly fixed on the grand prize of Rs 1.5 million.
The Match: A Tale of Two Halves
The encounter was a cagey affair for the first hour, with both sides squandering clear-cut opportunities. APF’s Dipesh Dhimal missed a sitter in the 30th minute, while Jhapa’s Rohan Karki saw his 39th-minute strike rattle the woodwork—a missed chance that would haunt the hosts later.
The deadlock was finally broken in the 61st minute. Jhapa XI’s foreign recruit, Richard Wilson, rose highest to meet a precision corner from Narayan Chhetri, sending the home crowd into a frenzy.
However, the celebrations were short-lived. APF responded with tactical urgency, finding the equaliser just six minutes later. In the 67th minute, Nabin Lama unleashed a spectacular long-range effort from outside the box. The ball struck the underside of the crossbar and bounced over the line, leaving the Jhapa keeper helpless and silencing the home supporters.
Shootout Heroics
With neither side able to find a winner in regulation time, the match moved straight to the spot. APF goalkeeper Anjan Shrestha turned hero, denying efforts from Jhapa’s Narayan Chhetri and Gaurav Dhimal.
For APF, Suman Shrestha, Dipesh Dhimal, Santosh Khatri, and Samiraj Thokar all converted with clinical precision. Despite Sandip Limbu saving Nabin Lama’s attempt, the damage was already done. Shrestha’s reflexes earned him the Player of the Match award and a cash prize of Rs 25,000.
What’s Next?
The final showdown is nearly set. The second semifinal takes place tomorrow, featuring a heavyweight clash between Tribhuwan Army FC and Machhindra FC.
