Hosts Jhapa XI got off to a triumphant start in the fourth Jhapa Gold Cup football tournament with a 2-0 victory over Sahara Club of Pokhara at the Domalal Rajbanshi Stadium on Saturday.

First half goals from Sanjog Rai and foreign recruit Kasim Bukhari was enough for Jhapa to delight the home crowd. In a match where the hosts dominated from outset, African recruits Bukhari and Francis were pivotal in Jhapa victory. Both the players missed few scoring chances inside the first half hour, while Hemanta Thapa Magar’s goal-bound shot was punched out by Sahara keeper Lucky Kumar Karki in the 27th minute.

The consistent pressure paid off in the 40th minute after Bukhari made full use of a cross from Rai to score from the area after two Sahara defender went clueless with the move. The lead double five minutes later after the first goal provider turned the scorer. Rai produced a stunning goal after he was fed by Yogesh Gurung.

Bukhari could have scored his second goal after the break but the African failed to score in an empty net with Karki leaving the post unguarded. Rai was adjudged the man-of-the-match. Sahara coach Prahlad Hirachan said his side was under-prepared. “The boys didn’t have best of the preparation and it was clearly seen during the match. Additionally, injury to few players also didn’t help our cause,” said Hirachan.

Jhapa coach Prabesh Katuwal wanted more from his team. “Although the game looked easy for us, we failed to score on many occasions. We have to come back in our second match with few more improvements,” said Katuwal. On Sunday, Morang XI will take on Nepal Armed Police Force Club.