KATHMANDU, Jan 31: 'A' Division team Sankata Club clinched the title of the Sabhapati Cup Football Tournament by defeating the host team, Nepal Democratic Sports Association Bagmati Province.
In the final match held at Dashrath Stadium, Tripureshwar, on Thursday, Sankata secured a 4-3 victory in sudden death against the rival.
The match ended in a goalless draw after the regulation 90 minutes. The game then proceeded to a penalty shootout, where both teams scored 3 goals each, leading to sudden death.
In sudden death, Sankata's Ram Thapa and Roshan Pahari's shots were saved by Bagmati’s goalkeeper, Bikesh Kuthu. However, Lakchhu Thapa, Sam Carlos, Deep Karki, and Sunil Khadka successfully converted their shots.
For Bagmati, only Nabin Lama, Fode Fofana, and Senjal Alex managed to score. Their players Kuldeep Karki and Gaurav Shrestha’s shots were saved by Sankata’s goalkeeper Deep Karki, while Rajat Tiwari’s shot went over the crossbar.
Champion Sankata Club received a cash prize of Rs 2.6 million, while runners-up Bagmati Province were awarded Rs 1.3 million. Sankata’s captain and goalkeeper Deep Karki was named the tournament’s best player and received Rs 75,000.
Additionally, Bagmati's Sandeep Karki was awarded the Emerging Player title, receiving Rs 25,000, while Bagmati’s Bikesh Kuthu was recognized as the Best Goalkeeper.
The winners were presented with trophies and prizes by Nepali Congress President and former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba, along with Youth and Sports Minister Tejulal Chaudhary and other dignitaries.
The tournament, organized by the Democratic Sports Association Convention Instruction Committee, a sister organization of the Nepali Congress, featured eight teams.