Birtamode thrummed with excitement as the Armed Police Force (APF) Football Club booked their place in the 6th Jhapa Gold Cup finals! Tribhuvan Army Football Club, The four-time champions, were edged out with a hard-fought 1-0 victory.

The game was tense, with both sides initially playing cautiously. APF’s Anish Maharjan nearly broke the deadlock just before halftime, but his golden opportunity went begging. The second half saw the intensity rise, with chances falling for both teams. Serge Song’s effort rattled the crossbar for the Army, while Buddhiman Rai narrowly missed from the penalty area for APF.

Despite their experience, the Army’s defensive strategy couldn’t contain the relentless pressure from the Armed Police. Their skipper, Bharat Khawas, even spurned a crucial chance in the first half.

The breakthrough finally arrived in the 70th minute, courtesy of a stroke of luck. APF’s foreign star Fode Fofona unleashed a powerful strike that took a wicked deflection off Army defender Kamal Thapa, finding the net for a fortuitous own goal.

Fofona’s all-around performance was impressive, earning him the well-deserved Player of the Match award.

Tomorrow’s clash between Church Boys United and Jhapa Xi FC promises another exciting encounter. In the grand finale, scheduled for Falgun 28th, The top 10 Nepalese teams will battle it out for a prestigious trophy and a hefty cash prize.

APF coach Suman Shrestha praised the favourable weather and his team’s teamwork for their win, expressing confidence in an even stronger performance in the finals.

Meanwhile, Army coach Meghraj KC acknowledged the midfield’s lack of fluidity as a critical factor in the defeat. While commending the defensive and attacking efforts, he lamented the absence of injured players Dinesh Hemjan and Jilspijang Karki, whose presence he believes could have significantly impacted the outcome.