Jeetpursimara Goldcup: Machhindra Football Club enters in semi-final
Simara: Defeating the former champion Nepal Police Club, Machhindra Football Club has entered the semifinals of the 15th Jeetpursimara Gold Cup.
In the match held at Simara Stadium on Sunday night, Machhindra Football Club triumphed over Police in a penalty shootout, winning 4-3 and advancing to the semifinals.
The match ended in a 1-1 draw after regular time, and the result was decided through a penalty shootout.
After Police took the lead, Machhindra turned the result in their favor. The first half was a competitive one, ending in a goalless draw.
In the second half, Police took the lead. In the 48th minute, Police scored through Prabin Thapa. A shot by Bibek Pandey from outside the box deflected off Prabin Thapa into the goal.
Despite being 1-0 down, Machhindra played calmly and equalized in the 61st minute. Rajiv Lopchan scored the equalizer from a free kick by Bibek Rai. Bivbek’s free kick was controlled by Anil Ranamagar, who set up Rajiv for the shot.
Rajiv’s goal brought Machhindra back into the game, making the competition even more thrilling. With both teams tied 1-1 after regular time, the match went to a penalty shootout.
In the shootout, Machhindra’s goalkeeper Bishal Sunar, Bipin Shrestha, Ashim Gurung, and Pujan Shrestha scored, while Bibek Rai’s shot went wide.
For Police, captain Man Bahadur Pariyar, goalkeeper Amit Tamata, and Pujan Rai scored. Bibek Pandey’s shot missed the target, and Arun Gaha’s shot was brilliantly saved by Machhindra’s goalkeeper Bishal.
Bishal was named the Green Energy Player of the Match and received a cash prize of 10,000. He was awarded by Sandeep Gupta, the chief of Sipradi Trading Birgunj, and Shailesh Shah Thakuri, the owner of Green Energy Pvt. Ltd.
In the competition, the final quarterfinal match will take place on Monday, where Himalayan Sherpa will face Friends Club.
