News Kathmandu's New Road Team Reaches Jhapa Cup 2081 Semi-Finals with Anjan Bista's Hat-Trick
Ramesh Samadarshi

Jhapa, Nepal – Kathmandu's New Road Team (NRT) has secured a spot in the semi-finals of the ongoing Jhapa Cup 2081 after a dominant 5-1 victory over Kathmandu District League champions Chitlang FC on Thursday. The star of the match was NRT's captain, Anjan Bista, who scored a brilliant hat-trick to propel his team into the next round.

The match, played at the Jhapa Stadium, saw NRT take the lead in the 13th minute when Bista latched onto a precise cross from foreign player Neymar. Bista doubled the advantage in the 36th minute with a penalty, awarded after Chitlang defender Gaurav Shrestha fouled him in the box.

Despite being on the back foot, Chitlang pulled a goal back just before halftime. In the 42nd minute, Janak Koirala produced a stunning volley off a header from foreign player Fazil, narrowing the gap to 2-1.

However, NRT quickly regained control in the second half. In the 65th minute, Neymar scored a well-taken goal, finishing a pass from Bista after a brilliant solo run from the middle of the field. Just three minutes later, Shishir Lekhi extended the lead to 4-1. Lekhi, unmarked in the penalty box, tapped in a low cross from Neymar.

In the final moments of the game, NRT was awarded another penalty in the 88th minute when Gaurav Shrestha fouled Bista once again inside the box. Bista completed his hat-trick with a composed finish from the spot, becoming the first player to score a hat-trick in the ongoing tournament.

This victory not only secured NRT's place in the semi-finals but also marked redemption after their 1-0 loss to Church Boys United in last year’s Jhapa Gold Cup. NRT, the recent champions of the Ilam Gold Cup, will now face Itahari's Rastriya Jagriti Club in the semi-finals.

Anjan Bista's exceptional performance earned him the Player of the Match award, along with a cash prize of Rs 10,000.

The first semi-final on Friday will feature Siraha's Salhesh Youth Club against Church Boys United Kathmandu. The winner of the Jhapa Cup will take home a grand cash prize of Rs 1 million, while the runner-up will receive Rs 500,000.

The final match of the Jhapa Cup 2081 will take place on Poush 8.

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