The 5th Wai Wai Panchthar Gold Cup (2025) officially began with a grand inauguration by Phidim Municipality Mayor Mitra Prasad Kafle, the chief guest, who marked the occasion by flying balloons along with the tournament balloon into the air.
Intra Pathari XI FC Secures Win
The tournament opened with an exciting match at Phidim Ma.Vi. Ground, where Intra Pathari XI FC defeated the hosts, Panchthar Club, with a 2-0 victory. The game, played in a 9-a-side format, saw a strong attendance, as ticket sales reached NPR 70,500, reflecting the local community’s enthusiasm for football.
Key Moments of the Match:
- Early Lead: Intra Pathari XI FC took the lead just 5 minutes into the match. Sanam Dhimal scored a stunning 1v1 goal after receiving a precise through pass from the half-line. The opposing defenders were caught off guard, thinking he was offside, but the goal stood, giving Pathari an early advantage.
- Sealing the Victory: In the dying moments of the game (90+3 minutes), Ankit Limbu doubled Pathari’s lead. As Panchthar pushed all their players forward in search of an equalizer, Limbu received a pass from his own half. With only one defender left, he powered through, held his balance despite a challenge, and calmly finished the goal to seal the victory.
Man of the Match
Pathari’s goalkeeper, Samir Chhetri, was named Man of the Match for his outstanding performance. Despite multiple attacks from the hosts, he ensured a clean sheet and was awarded NPR 7,500, along with a trophy and medal.
Upcoming Match
The tournament continues tomorrow, March 8, with an exciting clash between Church Boys United and Hills Football Academy from India. The match is scheduled to kick off at 2:30 PM.
Tournament Details
The winner of the 5th Wai Wai Panchthar Gold Cup will receive a cash prize of NPR 1.1 million (11 lakh). Fans who are unable to attend the matches can watch all games live on GoalNepal.com’s YouTube and Facebook pages. The grand final is set to take place on Chaitra 02.
The tournament has already started with great excitement, and fans eagerly await more thrilling matches in the coming days.
