Makwanpur XI claimed the title of the Makwanpur Gold Cup football tournament after two penalty goals from Buddha Chemjong gave them a 2-1 victory over Dauphins Family of Cameroon at the Forestry ground in Hetauda on Saturday.

Chemjong netted in the ninth and 82nd minutes from the spot as the hosts rallied from a goal down to overcome the sturdy opponents. Makwanpur earned a cash purse of Rs 800,000 and runners-up Dauphins walked away with Rs 400,000.

Dauphins, labelled unauthorised to play in the country by the All Nepal Football Association, were seemingly on course for lifting their fifth trophy of the season taking a fourth minute lead through Yannick Owona. The forward converted Ahanda Essah pass for the team that won the titles of Pokhara Cup, Budha Subba Gold Cup (Dharan), Tilottam Cup (Butwal) and Mai Valley Gold Cup (Ilam).

But Gurung restored the parity four minutes later from the spot after Silo Nanga handled the ball inside the area. While Makwanpur had chosen to play short passes and take the match under control, Dauphins resorted for long passes and aerial balls. Makwanpur goalie Ashok Baral made some valiant saves to keep Dauphins attacks at bay. Dauphins conceded second penalty in the 81st minute after another hand-ball — this time from Oko Bota — inside the area. Gurung was on target once again to the delight of the home crowd. Hisub Thapaliya of Makwanpur was adjudged the-man-of-the-match.

Makwanpur coach Bijay Lal Shrestha credited hard effort of his players for the victory. “The players gave their 100 percent and our strategy of marking the opponents properly worked,” he said. Baral, who was adjudged the player of the tournament and best goalkeeper, said that his side executed the game plan in attacking line and midfield to perfection.

Makwanpur also dominated the individual award. Apart from Baral, who received Rs 75,000 as best player and Rs 20,000 as best goalkeeper, Gurung was named the best midfielder, Rejin Subba best forward and Shrestha the best coach. Bota of Dauphins was named the best defender.

Sankata lift Kavre Gold Cup 

KAVRE: Top tier outfits Sankata Club defeated hosts Kavre District Football Association 3-0 in the final to claim the title of Kavre Gold Cup football tournament in Dhulikhel on Saturday. Avishek Rijal gave first minute lead to Sankata before Ekne Christian doubled the advantage in the 35th minute. Subash Gurung ensured the victory with a stoppage time goal. Winners Sankata bagged Rs 400,000 and runners up KDFA received Rs 200,000. Sankata’s Tampi Earners was declared the best player of the tournament and his teammate Raja Babu Thapa Magar was named best goalkeeper. KDFA’s Sabin Khadka was named best defender and Ram Chandra Thapa of the same team was named best coach. (SB)