Namo Buddha Youth Football Club, Saptari, has secured a place in the final of the Wai Wai 5th Panchthar Gold Cup Football Tournament 2081. They defeated Church Boys United, Kathmandu, in a thrilling semifinal match played at Phidim, Panchthar.
The match ended in a 2-2 draw in regulation time, leading to a penalty shootout. Namo Buddha emerged victorious with a 4-2 score in the shootout, ensuring their place in the final.
Match Summary
Namo Buddha took the lead in the 33rd minute when Jenish Prajapati scored. He received a direct pass from the half-line and finished in one touch to make it 1-0. However, Church Boys equalized in added time of the first half when Abishek Mahato brilliantly cut a pass from near the corner flag, allowing Buddhi Man Rai to tap in for the equalizer, leveling the match at 1-1.
In the second half, Jenish Prajapati scored again in the 61st minute with a rocket finish from a tight angle. His powerful shot left the Church Boys United goalkeeper helpless, restoring Namo Buddha’s lead. But Church Boys responded late in the 85th minute when Abishek Mahato’s header was initially saved by Jiyarat Sheikh, but the ball deflected back, allowing Raj Bhusal to score a beautiful diving header to bring the game to 2-2. As neither team could break the deadlock, the match was decided by penalties.
Penalty Shootout
Namo Buddha converted four of their penalties, with Bibek Gurung, Ayush Magar, Anil Magar, and Bibek Rai all scoring. For Church Boys, only Talla and Fofana managed to score, while Abhishek Mahto and Sagar Tiruwa’s shots were saved by Namo Buddha goalkeeper Jiyarat Sheikh.
Man of the Match and Fan Award
Jiyarat Sheikh was named Man of the Match for his outstanding goalkeeping performance. Prisen Shrestha was honored as the Fan of the Match. Jiyarat Sheikh received a cash prize of NPR 7,500 along with a trophy, while Prisen Shrestha, the Fan of the Match, received NPR 2,500., presented by the chief guest, Rup Narayan Jabegu, and the club’s chairman, Kamal Tumrok .
Final Showdown
Namo Buddha will face Machhindra Football Club, Kathmandu, in the tournament final on Saturday. Machhindra secured their place in the final by defeating Intra Pathari-11 Club, Morang, with a 2-1 victory.
Prize Money and Tournament Details
The winner of the tournament will receive NPR 1,101,111, while the runner-up will take home NPR 555,555. Each Man of the Match award winner receives NPR 7,500. The best coach, goalkeeper, defender, midfielder, and top scorer will be awarded NPR 10,000 each. The Best Player of the Tournament and Rising Star will receive NPR 15,000 each, while the Fan of the Match will receive NPR 2,500 per match.
Tournament expenses are estimated at NPR 7 million, as stated by club vice president Yograj Sedhai. The event is supported by Phidim Municipality, the National Sports Council, the Provincial Sports Development Board, other local bodies, and donations from national and international sponsors. Additional funds are raised through ticket sales.
The tournament featured eight teams, including four A Division clubs, one foreign team, and three domestic clubs, including the host team.
