Sankata´s African recruit Aba Norbert Cedric scored the winner in the 74th minute. APF goalkeeper Samit Rajbhandari punched a shot from Ibrahim and also denied Sudip Limbu´s attempt in the rebound, but Cedric ultimately sent the ball home to upset APF.[break]
APF tried to bounce back but could not get past Sankata´s stubborn defense.
Earlier, Sankata had a chance to take an early lead in the 18th minute but Ritan Shrestha´s shot rebounded off the woodwork. Sudip Limbu attempted a shot in the rebound but it went wide.
With the win, Sankata exacted its revenge on APF, which had defeated it in the quarterfinals of the Simara Gold Cup last month.
Sankata received Rs 325,000 along with the trophy while runner-up APF bagged Rs 150,000.
Sankata goalkeeper Ando Pier was adjudged the man-of-the-final and received Rs 5,000. APF striker Ganesh Lawati was adjudged the best player of the tournament.
Lawati received a Honda Dreams motorcycle and Rs 25,000. Lawati, who was also the highest scorer of the tournament, received additional Rs 25,000.
During the closing ceremony of the tournament organized by Birat Gold Cup Trust, referees Madhusudan Khanal and Kiran Giri were felicitated for their contribution.
Nepali women´s team captain Jamuna Gurung, who hails from Morang, was also awarded with Rs 50,000 and a letter of appreciation on the occasion.
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