Jhapa 11 FC won the 7th Belbari Gold Cup, overcoming Salhes Yuva Club of Siraha in a dramatic penalty shootout (5-4) after playing two goalless draws on Tuesday. The match at Belbari ended 1-1 in regulation time, and Jhapa transformed the final into a tense penalty shootout.

In the shootout, Dinesh Urao, Abhishek Gurung, Saurav Limbu, and Utsav Rai scored for Jhapa, while Siraha’s Ram Thapa, Aditya Shakya, and Santosh Khatri succeeded. Jhapa ultimately prevailed, capitalizing on all their penalties, as Siraha’s Samir Tamang was stopped by Sandeep Limbu, ensuring the victory for Jhapa 11. Ajayi Martin had put Siraha ahead in the 50th minute, but Pradeep Budhathoki levelled for Jhapa in the 71st minute, setting the stage for an intense finish.

With the victory, Jhapa 11 clinched the championship title, earning a gold-studded trophy of 2.5 kg of silver and prize money of NPR 800,000. Siraha, as the runner-up, received a medal and NPR 400,000.

Jhapa 11’s Abhishek Gurung was named “Player of the Match,” Sandeep Limbu earned “Best Goalkeeper,” Utsav Rai was recognized as “Best Midfielder,” and Devendra Tamang was awarded “Best Player,” taking home NPR 10,000. Coach Santosh Gurung was acknowledged as the tournament’s “Best Coach.” Salhes’ Ajayi Martin received the “Top Scorer” award with five goals, while teammate Samir Tamang earned NPR 7,000 as “Best Forward.”

This incredible victory has cemented Jhapa 11 as one of the greatest football teams in the region during a period where every team needed an edge to stay competitive.