Hosts Jhapa-XI battled to the final of the Jhapa Gold Cup football tournament with a 4-3 win in tiebreaker here at the Domalal Rajbanshi grounds on Wednesday.

The normal 90 minutes of play had ended in a 1-1 draw and as the 15 minutes of extra time also did not break the deadlock, the match headed for a tiebreaker. The first five spot kicks also ended in a 3-3 draw meaning, the outcome was decided through sudden death shootout. Jhapa skipper Prawesh Katuwal converted in sudden death penalty but Saroj Dahal found the woodwork handing the hosts a place in the final.

After a lacklustre first half, the first semi-final match sprung into life in the second period with the Lalitpur-based outfits going in front. Shiva Shrestha scored on a corner kick from Sunil Bal in the 55th minute to silence the local crowd. However, Jhapa found the equalise in the 75th minute as Karna Limbu struck from a pass from Khamir Kandangwa to force the match into extra time.

Jhapa coach Bhagirath Ale was a satisfied man. “It was a team game and my players deserve some praise for the victory,” said Ale.