Jhapa was sent packing home after Bishwas Shrestha netted for MMC in the first minute of the three-minute injury time. Biswas, who came as replacement of skipper Anil Gurung in the 61st minute, netted the winner with a 20-yard scorcher, leaving Jhapa goalie Kishor Giri clueless. Shrestha was later adjudged the man-of-the-match.
MMC will take on APF in the semifinal.
The match remained goalless until the late moment after both the teams squandered scoring opportunities. MMC could have taken lead as early as in the ninth minute, but glovesman Kishor denied Anil's attempt in Olawale Afeez's cross. Similarly, Buddha Chemjong's 16th minute strike sailed inches off the far post in Sujal Shreshta's pass.
MMC coach Chhiring Lopsang lamented that his side failed to execute the match plan and was forced to wait until late moment for victory. Three months earlier, MMC had defeated the same opponent 4-0 at the same venue in Aaha-Rara Gold Cup.
Jhapa also threw top challenge to MMC and created some scoring opportunities but failed to find the back of the net. MMC custodian Kiran Chemjong made a brilliant dive to deny Sanjog Rai's strike from the danger zone in Khamir Gilson Kandangwa's pass. Bishal Rai wasted scoring chance in a one-on-one situation with goalie Kiran in the 90th minute.
Jhapa captain-cum-coach Prabesh Katuwal said that his side faced defeat after they failed to keep momentum in the last minute. “We not only wasted golden scoring chances but minor mistake at the later stage cost us the match,” he rued.
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