Three Star´s Sierra Leonean forward Adewumi Femi struck a late winner to end the home team´s dream of lifting its maiden title after reaching the final for the first time in the tournament´s history. Femi, who was sent off during the stoppage time, scored his third goal for Three Star in the tournament to take home the highest scorer award.[break]
Femi headed the all-important goal in the 83rd minute. Anil Gurung, who had replaced Bishnu Gurung 10 minutes earlier, had headed to put the diminutive custodian in difficulty which subsequently resulted in goal. Femi was awarded with Rs 15,000 and a trophy.
Champion Three Star which claimed the title for the third time bagged a purse of Rs 351,000 along with the winners´ trophy while the host remained content with Rs 201,000. Three Star had earlier lifted the trophy in the fifth and ninth editions.
The victory also gave Three Star coach Pradip Humagain his first major title of top tier football since he was promoted as the head coach following resignation of Meghraj KC in late September. "The goal should have come in the first half but there were some weaknesses in the finishing lineup," said the 33-year old coach.
Humagain also credited the win to hard efforts of his players. "The boys did their best, thus we were able to claim the title."
Meanwhile, Humagain´s counterpart Kiran Shrestha of Sahara blamed match referee Laba Khatri for his side´s defeat. "The referee´s wrong decision led to our defeat," said Shrestha.
In the competitive match, the home team created a few chances but failed to utilize them. Sahara could have taken a 29th minute lead but Jefrey Bonni´s shot rebounded off the bar in Yona Elias Ndabila´s pass. In the 81st minute, Yona wasted a scoring chance as he fired wide in an unattended post.
Three Star also created a couple of chances. In the 12th minute, Sahara custodian Prajapati denied a powerful shot by Jeevan Sinkeman in Aditya Chaudhary´s pass.
Custodian Prajapati was declared the best player as well as the best goalkeeper of the tournament. As the best player he was awarded with a motorbike and received Rs 15,000 for best goalkeeper. Prajapati said the award has motivated him to perform better in future.
Samsung Jawalakhel Youth Club took the fair play award and received Rs 5,000. The best forward, midfielder, defender and goalkeeper and the best coach were awarded with Rs 15,000 each.
Best awards
Player Award Team
Ajeet Prajapati Best player Sahara
Ajeet Prajapati Goalkeeper Sahara
Bishnu Sunuwar Defender Three Star
Victor Midfielder Three Star
Yona Ndabila Forward Three Star
Pradip Humagain Coach Three Star
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