Jhapa 11 Football Club stormed into the final of the 7th International Invitational Belbari Gold Cup with a convincing 2-0 win over Butwal Lumbini FC. Ashish Chapagai was in the limelight, scoring both goals to bring his team closer to the title.

In the thrilling semi-final encounter at the Belbari 11 Lakshmi Khel Maidan, Ashish opened the account in the 28th minute, latching onto a precise pass by Pradeep Budhathoki to give Jhapa 11 the lead. The second came in the 76th minute when Chapagai coolly converted a penalty after Butwal Lumbini’s defender, Nmendi Iwosii, was penalized for a handball inside the Penalty area. Referee Bikram Karki, without ado, pointed to the spot, and Ashish coolly slotted home.

Although newcomers to the competition, Butwal Lumbini FC were able to create chances but could not capitalize on any, bowing out of the tournament. For his brilliant performance, Ashish was named Player of the Match and received a trophy and a cash prize of NPR 5,000 from Suman Magar, chairman of Kerabari Rural Municipality.