Goals from Limbu on either side of the break saw Jhapa advance to Wednesday’s title match against the winners of Monday’s second semi-final match between Tribhuvan Army Club and Sankata Club . Boosted by their stunning win over league champions Manang Marshyangdi Club in the previous match, Jhapa kept the departmental team under pressure throughout the game.

Limbu gave Jhapa the 22nd minute lead, heading home a long freekick from Yogesh Gurung. The Jhapa team doubled their tally through a penalty kick. They were awarded the spot kick when Palsang Lama brought down Limbu inside the area and the striker stepped in himself to take the shot, sending APF glovesman Amrit Chaudhary the wrong way in the 85th minute.

Earlier, APF custodian Chaudhary kept his side in the contest by denying a close range shot from Bishal Rai in the second minute. Jhapa missed out on scoring yet again three minutes later when Dinesh Karki met a Devendra Tamang pass but shot over the bar. Limbu then missed a wonderful goal scoring chance for Jhapa in the sixth minute. With only APF goalie Chaudhary in his way, the forward applied a feeble shot straight at him, allowing defender Ramesh Dangol to clear the deflected shot for safety.

Eight minutes after Limbu gave Jhapa the lead, Gurung had another chance to double their lead only for APF keeper Chaudhary to deny him in one-on-one encounter. Chances came thick and fast for Jhapa and Limbu failed to capitalise on a perfect pass from Rai in the 53rd minute. Skipper Prabesh Katuwal also tested the APF glovesman with his 58th minute freekick.

Jhapa coach Bhagirath Ale said his team stuck to the plan. “After beating MMC our confidence level had soared,” said Ale. “But we never underestimated our opponents which we knew were physically strong than us. But still we were confident that we could make it to the final,” said Ale adding there was a realistic chance of his team to take home the winner’s trophy on Wednesday.

APF coach Krishna Thapa said that the deserving team won the game.