Jhapa XI coach Bhagirath Ale: ‘Our high morale was the key against league champions’

Jhapa XI coach Bhagirath Ale was happy with the squad and told that the squad was on a high morale against the League Champions.

Bhagirath Ale Jhapa XI coach and Pravesh Katuwal

Laxmi Hyundai- Manang Marshyangdi Club, who are set to represent Nepal in AFC President’s cup were handed a shocking result in ongoing ANFA Knockout Football Tournament as they were defeated by Jhapa XI by 2-1 in the first match. Bishal Rai ‘A’ scored a brace to knock out Manang from the tournament. Dipak Rai scored sole goal for the league champions.

Click Here to see how Bishal Rai ‘A’ scored.

Coach Bhagirath Ale was very happy with the result and was expecting the similar performance from the boys. ‘After we knew our fixture was against Manang, i never let my boys get their morale down and now we got the success’, said the Coach. Ale, who worked with the squad since last five days told that Manang’s poor defensive organisation was also played a huge part in their victory.

‘I will not say we will reach the final but our level of performance will increase in coming matches if the players play like this. We were playing in another tournament and reached the final there but after we knew our fixture here, we left that tournament to play here as this means a lot for us’, said Bhagirath. Jhapa XI were playing a tournament outside the valley and reached the finals but sent their B team in the finals to play against APF. The ‘B’ team won the final 2-1 against APF, Kathmandu.

Captain Pravesh Katuwal was very happy with the result and pointed out the support of Jhapali fans and teamwork between players and management in the success of the team. ‘ The fans were shouting throughout the game and it meant a lot for us, we are hoping for similar support in coming days as well’, said the skipper.