Jwalamukhi win Byakul Maila Gold Cup; Lohrung, Sekaha reach Sankhuwasabha semis

Jwalamukhi Yuva Samuha were crowned champions of the 10th Byakul Maila Gold Cup football tournament held in Okhaldhunga.

In the final played at Sokmatar, Manebhanjyang Rural Municipality-6, on Tuesday, the match ended goalless after regulation time, and Jwalamukhi beat Saptarangi Yuva Samuha 5-4 in a penalty shootout.

The champions received a prize of 333,333 rupees and the runners-up 150,111 rupees. Semifinalists Dudhkaushika Basic School and Manebhanjyang Yuva Samuha each received 80,000 rupees.

The tournament was organized by Naya Nepal Sarokar Samaj in the birthplace of national song composer Pradeep Kumar Rai, known as Byakul Maila.

In the accompanying third Rupa Smriti Women's Football tournament, Okhaldhunga beat Khotang 3-1 in a tiebreaker to win the title.

Meanwhile, in the Sankhuwasabha Gold Cup, Lohrung Club Pangma and Sekaha Samudayik Club - both teams from the host district - have reached the semifinals.

In a match played at Manebhanjyang, Khandbari Municipality-3, Lohrung and Sirha's Salhesh Yuva Club were tied 2-2 after regulation time. With the tiebreaker also finishing 4-4, Lohrung won 6-5 in sudden death.

In the other match, two goals from Milan Limbu helped Sekaha defeat Jhapa-11 by 2-0.

Wednesday's semifinals will see Lohrung face Sekaha, while Sunsari's New Star Club will meet Kathmandu's Planning Boys United Club in the other tie.