Kathmandu: Sankata Club clinched President Cup Football Tournament defeating Bagmati Lokatantrik in a dramatic sudden death penalty shootout at Dasharath Stadium, Tripureshwar on Thursday.

Despite dominating possession from the onset Sankata failed to break the deadlock in regulation time with the match ending in a goalless draw, leading to a tense penalty shootout.

The Penalty Drama

The shootout ended 3-3 after five penalties each despite Bagmati goalkeeper Bikesh Kuthu saving the first two Sankata attempts. However, Sankata’s Deep Karki proved to be the hero saving Gaurab Shrestha’s sudden death penalty after Sunil Khadka converted for Sankata, securing the title.

Sankata’s Ram Thapa and Roshan Pahari missed the opening two penalties while Bagmati’s Nabin Lama and Fode Fofana converted, putting them ahead.

Laxu Thapa and Sam Carlos then scored for Sankata, but Bagmati’s Kuldeep Karki and Rajat Tiwari both missed—Kuldeep’s effort was saved and Rajat’s shot flew over the bar leveling the score at 2-2.

Sankata goalkeeper Deep Karki converted their fifth penalty matched by Bagmati’s Senegalese Alex, pushing the game into sudden death.

In the decisive moment, Sunil Khadka scored for Sankata while Gaurab Shrestha’s shot was saved by Karki, sealing the victory.

Missed Chances for Sankata

Sankata controlled much of the game but failed to capitalize numerous second half chances. Early in the second half, Abakeh Richard failed to connect Niraj Chaudhary cross inside the six-yard box.

In the 74th minute, Chandan Das attempted a backheel flick from close range but his weak shot was easily collected by Kuthu. Sankata thought they scored in injury time when Sunil Khadka’s header off Abishek Waiba pass narrowly missed target keeping the match goalless.

Prize Money 

Sankata Club claimed a cash prize of Rs 2.6 million while Bagmati Lokatantrik, a team assembled by the hosts for the tournament, settled for Rs 1.3 million, along with trophies and certificates.