Sankata lift President's Cup title

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Jan. 31: Sankata FC triumphed in a thrilling penalty shootout to secure the title of the inaugural President Cup knockout football championship held at Dasarath Rangasala on Thursday. They defeated the host team, Bagmati Loktantrik, with a score of 4-3 in sudden death.

Captain and goalkeeper Deep Karki was instrumental in Sankata's victory. After Bagmati’s goalkeeper and captain, Bikesh Kuthu, denied Ram Thapa and Roshan Pahari, Sankata found themselves under pressure in the penalty shootout. 

Although Laxu Thapa and Sam Carlos managed to convert their kicks, Sankata was trailing 2-3 at one point. Karki stepped up and successfully converted his spot kick, equalizing the score at 3-3 and pushing the shootout into sudden death. 

Sunil Khadka then scored, giving Sankata the upper hand. Karki later saved a crucial kick from Bagmati’s Gaurav Shrestha, leading to a comeback victory for Sankata in the title match. 

Karki was subsequently awarded both the Player of the Match and the Most Valuable Player of the tournament.

For Bagmati, Nabin Lama, Fode Fofana, and Senegalaise Alex successfully scored during the penalties, while Kuldeep Karki and Rajat Tiwari missed their kicks. 

Despite a relentless attack, Sankata could not break through Bagmati’s strong defense, anchored by goalkeeper Kuthu, resulting in a goalless draw at the end of the regulation 90 minutes.

The penalty shootout was necessary to determine the winner of the final match. Both teams had reached the final by winning their respective semi-final matches through penalty shootouts. With this victory, Sankata claimed a cash prize of Rs. 2,600,000 along with the winner's trophy, while the runners-up, Bagmati Loktantrik, received Rs. 1,300,000. 

Former Prime Minister and President of the Nepali Congress Party, Sher Bahadur Deuba, presented the trophy to the winning team.

Bikesh Kuthu was recognized as the Best Goalkeeper of the tournament. The top scorers' award was shared by Abekah Richard, Anjan Bista, and Kritish Ratna Chunju, who each scored two goals. Sandeep Karki was named the Emerging Player.