Planning Boys United Reaches Final of Belbari International Invitational Running Gold Cup

Morang. Planning Boys United of Kathmandu has secured a spot in the final of the Belbari Arju Rice Major Late N.B. Rungmahang International Invitational Running Gold Cup.

In the first semi-final match of the Gold Cup, currently underway in Laxmimarg, Belbari-11, Morang, on Thursday, Planning Boys United Club, Kathmandu, defeated the host LX City Football Club with a score of 3 goals to 0.

Planning Boys United Club, Kathmandu, took the lead in the 4th minute of the match. Chandan Das, wearing jersey number 18 for Planning, scored a goal following a pass from Sabin Lungeli Magar, jersey number 11. Just 3 minutes after the goal, a powerful strike by Bijay Urau, jersey number 14 of the host LX City, was difficultly saved by goalkeeper Yogesh Dhimal.

Similarly, Ujwal Rai, jersey number 9 of the host LX City, missed a one-versus-one opportunity to score. His shot went over the goalpost. Planning Boys kept the host team under pressure during the game before halftime.

In the 32nd minute after halftime, Pratap Singh Rai, jersey number 7 of Planning, took advantage of the ball fumbling from the host's goalkeeper's hands, extending the lead to 2 goals to 0. Likewise, in the 34th minute, Rom Bhujel, jersey number 10 of Planning, dribbled past players from the midfield and his shot into the post resulted in a goal.

Although the host team played aggressively after halftime, they couldn't score any goals.

Gaurav Shrestha, the captain of Planning (jersey number 20), who had previously received a yellow card, was shown a red card after tackling an LX City player from behind.

The winner of today's match will compete in the final on Kartik 1st (October 18, according to the original text, but the date seems to be a mistake since the final is on Kartik 1, which means it will be after the second semi-final. Assuming Kartik 1st is the final date mentioned), against the winner of tomorrow's second semi-final. Roman Bhujel, jersey number 3 of Planning, was declared the Man of the Match for today's game. He received a cash prize of 7,000 rupees.

The chief guest for today's match was Jagat Basnet, President of PABSON Morang.

Tomorrow's second semi-final match will be played between Sahalesh Youth Club, Siraha, and Bhojpur Football Association, Bhojpur.

The winner of the tournament, which is primarily supported by Belbari Municipality and majorly sponsored by Arju Rice Mill, will receive a cash prize of eight lakh rupees, and the runner-up team will receive four lakh rupees, informed the club's president, Bikram Rai.

To win the trophy worth 8 lakh rupees, which is studded with 3 kg of silver and one and a half tola of gold, a football club must win the tournament title for 3 consecutive years. 

Popiraj Rai and Jyotiraj Rai, residents of Laxmimarg, have sponsored the running gold cup in memory of their late father, Major N.B. Rai.