Birtamode, February 2, 2017:Â Jhapa XI hammered Far Western FC 4-0 to enter the semi-finals of the Jhapa Gold Cup at the Domalal Stadium here on Wednesday.
African recruit Ajayi Martins Kayode scored a brace and Buddha Chemjong added the other in Jhapa’s big victory after a first half own goal had put Jhapa in the edge.
After Chemjong’s shot on a cross from Peter Segun hit the woodworks, Jhapa took a rather unconvincing lead in the game when in the 36th minute, Rakesh Hamal inadvertently scored into his own nets in a bid to clear a shot from Martins. Far Western were still in the game managing to contain Jhapa for the first 45 minutes but their game slumped in the second half.
Chemjong made it 2-0 a minute after the resumption with his powerful shot following a solo effort from outside the box leaving Farwest custodian Tekendra Thapa with hardly any time to react. Two minutes later, Martins made life more difficult for Farwest with Thapa once again beaten by the pace and power of the shot.
With clock ticking, it was only left for Martins to make sure they don’t concede further goal but Martins struck again. In the 88th minute, Dilen Loktan fed Martins inside the area and the forward made a cool finish to send Farwest packing.
Farwest, who had played a 1-1 draw against Jhapa in last year’s National League, had a couple of scoring chances but they failed to find the back of the nets. Martins was adjudged the player-of-the-match.
On Thursday, Manang Marshyangdi Club will take on New Road Team. The tournament offers a cash purse of Rs 700,000 and the runners-up will get Rs 350,000.
By Lila Baral
