Manang Marshyangdi Club (MMC) completed a title treble in less than a month edging hosts Jhapa XI 1-0 in the Jhapa Gold Cup football tournament here on Monday.

In the final match at the Domalal Stadium, African recruit Oladipo Olawale Afeez’s second half goal was enough for MMC to claim their third title. MMC had won the Khaptad Gold Cup on January 15 in Dhangadi and a week later clinched the Aaha-Rara Gold Cup in Pokhara.

The title triumph saw Jhapa collect a cash purse of Rs 700,000 in what is so far the highest cash-prized knockout tournament outside Kathmandu valley. Runners-up Jhapa took Rs 350,000.

In a closely-contested battle, Jhapa had the first chance when they won a free kick outside the box in the 16th minute. Ranjit Shrestha’s

dipping shot found Jhapa’s prolific scorer Karna Limbu inside the box but the striker failed to connect the ball for a header.

Five minutes later, Afeez managed to beat defender Devendra Tamang but his powerful shot was perfectly punched out by Jhapa custodian Alan Neupane. Limbu missed out on another chance after half hour mark when he received the ball inside the area but he chose to pass the ball to Ajayi Martins Kayode and the ball was neatly cleared by MMC defender.

After missing few more scoring chances, both teams headed into the second half all square and it was MMC gained the edge in the 63rd minute. Jhapa plotted more attack after conceding the goal but they wasted the scoring chances that came their way as the hosts were once again condemned to a second-place finish. Jhapa had lost to Tribhuvan Army Club 1-0 in the final of the first edition last year.

MMC defender Rohit Chand was adjudged the player-of-the-tournament, the award winning him a motorcycle. Alan Neupane (goalkeeper), Devendra Tamang (defender), Ranjit Shrestha (midfielder) were other individual winners of Jhapa XI along with highest scorers Buddha Chemjong and Karna Limbu. MMC’s Chhiring Lhopsang Gurung was adjudged the best coach, while Jhapa also won Fair Play Team honour.

Sherpas enter semi-finals

BARA: Himalayan Sherpa Club pipped Rupandehi XI 1-0 to enter the semi-finals of the Simara Gold Cup on Monday. Nishan Limbu struck a 52nd minute winner to put Sherpas into the semi-finals at the Simara Stadium. Last year’s runners-up Rupandehi had created several scoring chances in the game but they failed to convert them. If the first half belonged to Rupandehi, Sherpas dominated the second half and Limbu struck seven minutes after resumption scoring from the box in a solo effort. On Tuesday, Tribhuvan Army Club will take on Birgunj United. (PR)