Jhapa will play for the championship against the winner of the second semi-final match between Manang Marshyangdi Cluband Tribhuvan Army Club on Saturday.

Rai put Jhapa, who made it this far after defeating Nepal Police Club in the quarter-finals,  ahead with a 48th minute goal. Rai capitalised on a pass from Karna Limbu to score the goal. However, their lead lasted barely 10 minutes when defender Dilen Loktan inadvertently conceded an own goal in an attempt to clear Barshat Gurung’s shot on goal.

Man-of-the-match Rai again resuced Jhapa as the forward scored the winners 17 minutes into the extra time, converting a pass from Dinesh Karki.

Jhapa coach Bhagirath Ale believed his side should have won the game in regulation time but for their misfiring forwards. “Lack of coordination was evident in the match and the own goal also did not help us. But we deservedly won the match in extra time,” said Ale. Jhapa were without their key player Yogesh Gurung, who is nursing an injury that he sustained during their quarter-final win over NPC.

Yam Gurung blamed the defeat to the poor defending from his team. “We also missed out quite a few goal scoring opportunities. Two of our first choice defenders could not make into the game due to injures which also weakened our defense,” said Gurung. In their previous meeting during the Aaha Gold Cup, Jhapa had defeated Lumbini 4-0.