KATHMANDU:  Bagmati Lokatantrik secured a thrilling 4-2 victory in a penalty shootout against New Road Team (NRT) to book their place in the final of the President Cup Football Tournament.

The match full of drama — a second half comeback by NRT — headed to an exciting penalty shootout following a 2-2 draw in the regulation period that saw Bagmati maintain their composure to edge out NRT.

Bagmati, the assembled team belonging to hosts, took a commanding 2-0 lead in the early first half. Midfielder Sandeep Karki opened the scoring in the 11th minute, capitalizing on a throw from Kamal Shrestha and firing a semi-volley into the far post.

Just three minutes later, foreign recruit Senegalaise Alex doubled Bagmati’s advantage with a powerful finish converting a short pass by Gideon Naah Kyeremeh, putting NRT on the back foot early in the match.

The determined NRT led by star forward Anjan Bista came out strong after the break showing their resilience. Kristish Ratna Chunju scored twice to bring his team back into the game. Chunju made their intent clear, scoring a minute after the restart.  He made a comfortable finish perfectly connecting a cut-back pass from Henry Poku.

In the 69th minute, Chunju struck again, volleying a beautiful cross from Bibek Gurung into the net, leveling the score at 2-2 and sending the match into an intense climax.

With no further goals in regulation time, the match was decided directly through penalty shootout. NRT’s hopes were dashed early as Saroj Tamang and Sumit Shrestha failed to convert their first two strikes from the spot. Tamang’s attempt was saved by Bagmati goalkeeper Bikesh Kuthu, while Shrestha fired his shot over the bar.

Bagmati, on the other hand, displayed clinical finishing, with Nabin Lama, Fode Fofana, Rajat Tiwari, and Kuldip Karki all converting their penalties. Despite a strong response from NRT’s Abishek Limbu and Jaya Gurung, Bagmati held their nerve to claim the victory and secure a place in the final.

Bagmati will now face Sankata, who triumphed over Machhindra in the first semifinal, in what promises to be a thrilling final showdown. The winner of the President Cup will be crowned at the conclusion of what has already been a dramatic and exciting tournament.