Sankata Club has qualified into the quarterfinals of the fifth Jhapa Gold Cup 2078 with a close-fought victory over Nepal Police Club today. In a match held at Domalal Rajbanshi Stadium in Birtamod today, Sankata defeated Nepal Police Club 1-0. 

Uttam Rai's header off a Fode Fofana cross in the 65th minute proved to be enough for Sankata.

Both teams had played with attacking approaches throughout the match. Sankata GK Rohit Karki was called into action many times as he made a few good saves to keep the Policemen at bay.

In the 24th minute of the match, Ravi Paswan's header Santosh Hemaram's pass went just away from the post. In the 26th minute, Soujan Rai's free-kick was thwarted by Rohit Karki.

Police captain Jumanu Rai failed to take the lead in the 50th minute when he failed to score a one-vs-one opportunity. In the 54th minute, the ball hit by Captain Rai hit his own leg and came out from near the post.

Fode Fofana was named the player of the match and received Rs. 9,999.

The winning squad in the Gold Cup will receive Rs. 12,55,000 in cash, while the runner-up will receive Rs. 6,05,000.

The best player of the competition will be given a motorcycle. Emerging player, best goalkeeper, best defender, best midfielder and best coach of the tournament will each get Rs 21,000 while the top scorer will be given Rs 25,000 in cash.

Ten teams, including the organizer Jhapa 11 Football Club, as well as teams from Nepal and other nations, will compete at Jhapa Birtamod's Domalal Rajbanshi Stadium. 

The Jhapa Gold Cup is being hosted with the goal of strengthening the Jhapa district as a football hub, as it is the district with the largest football activities outside of Kathmandu. 

Biba Media, the owner of GoalNepal.com & KhelDainik.com, has received streaming rights of the tournament and will broadcast the matches live.