NEPALGUNJ, March 16: Rupandehi XI has clinched the title of Tuborg Second Nepalgunj Gold Cup Football Tournament defeating CMG Club Sankata on sudden death in the final match on Thursday.
Champion Rupandehi XI has bagged a purse of Rs 500,000 while the runner-up Sankata was rewarded with Rs 251,000.
The summit clash played at Nepalgunj Stadium was pushed to sudden death after the regular period ended in 1-1 draw and tie breaker also finished with scores of 4-4. U-19 striker Anil Gurung gave lead to Sankata scoring in the 65th minute but the man-of-the-match Shiva Subedi scored the equalizer for Rupandehi one minute from time to push the match to tiebreaker.
Raj Paudel of Sankata and Ajay BK of Rupandehi both squandered their first shots during sudden death. African recruit Martins Ajayi of Sankata and Ajay Thapa of Rupandehi both converted from spots leaving the fate of winners still undecided. But, Lawal Olalekan of the capital-based team hit the woodwork and his opposite number from Rupandehi Gaurab Budathoki converted to win the coveted trophy.
Earlier in the tiebreaker, Sushil KC, Bishwa Adhikari, Kuldeep Karki and Bhushan Subedi converted their shots for Sankata while Rabi hit wide. Similarly, Rupandehi's Shiva Subedi, Uttam Gurung, Kalu Thapa and Laxman Ruchal all scored while Saurabh Magar hit the woodwork.
Meanwhile, Rupandehi XI's Amar Dangol was declared the best player of the tournament. He was rewarded with a motorcycle. African recruit Musa and Gaurab of the same team were announced the best defender and best midfielder. Sankata's Ajay Maharjan and Martins were declared the best goalkeeper and striker respectively. Salyan Khadgi of the same team was declared the best coach. All the best players and best coach were rewarded with cash prize of Rs 5000.
The tournament organized by Banke District Football Association from March 9 featured eight domestic clubs.
Rupandehi edges Jhapa in sudden death
