New Youth Union Club from Palpa demonstrated their resilience as they secured a hard-fought victory to advance to the semi-finals of the ongoing Jyotipunj Cup Open Knockout Football Tournament.

Having received a bye to the quarterfinals, New Youth Union faced a tough challenge from Devdah Boys of Rupandehi, ultimately prevailing 5-4 in a dramatic penalty shootout on Tuesday. The match had previously ended in a thrilling goalless draw, showcasing the intense competition at the Jyotipunj playground in Rampur-7, Kisanbari.

Goalkeeper Dipesh Periyar played a pivotal role in New Youth Union's victory and was deservedly named the Man of the Match. In another pre-quarterfinal match held on the same day, Bhimad Youth Club of Tanahun secured a 2-0 victory over Chapakot United from Syangja. Captain Binod Ghimire and Bishal Gurung made vital contributions to Bhimad's triumph, with Binod Ghimire earning the Man of the Match title.

According to match coordinator Anil Shahi Thakuri, two quarter-final matches are scheduled for Wednesday, October 24th, as part of the tournament. The first match will see Jyotipunj Youth Club (Red) and Farsatikar Youth Club Rupandehi face off at 1 o'clock, while the second match, set for 3 o'clock, will feature Bhimad Youth Club against Jyotipunj Youth Club (White).

The champion of this tournament, organized by Jyotipunj Youth Club in Rampur-7, Palpa, will be awarded a cash prize of 1 lakh 55 thousand along with the title, while the runner-up will receive 1 lakh 5 thousand, as announced by Sudip Gautam, the president of the organizing club. The tournament's final match, which includes a total of 10 participating teams, is slated for October 28th.