The two time champions MMC will also be hoping to lift the trophy for third time while opponent Three Star will be aiming to lift the trophy for a fourth time to equal the record of Nepal Police Club.[break]
MMC had lifted the title in Dharan in 2060 BS and 2067 BS while Three Star was the winner of 2061 BS, 2063 BS and 2065 BS. In its way to the final, MMC defeated host Purwanchal 1-0 and Police 3-1 in the quarterfinal and semifinal respectively. Similarly, Three Star had thumped African United 3-0 and Hong Kong Nepalese Football Team 3-2 to secure the place in the final.
Earlier in February, MMC clinched Aaha Gold Cup in Pokhara and Simara Gold Cup in Bara and victory over Three Star will give MMC third major title of the season. Last time MMC had won three titles in a season was in 2060 BS.
After loosing two matches during National League earlier in January, MMC has not lost a single match and the holder is in solid form.
"We are undefeated after loosing initial two matches of the National League and thus we are confident of taking home the title from Dharan. Now our target is to win Budhasubba and make hat-trick of knockout titles," said MMC coach Hari Om Shrestha.
According to Shrestha, MMC is in best form and the team is also well set, thus no team can stop his side from winning the title. MMC will come up in 4-4-2 formation with previous set of players that won the quarterfinal and semifinal match. Anil Gurung and Asif will take the charge of striking while skipper Shiva Shrestha, Jacob, Amir Shrestha and Sujal Shrestha will be assigned the midfielder job.
On the other hand Three Star has sound record against MMC and is in high morale. In the past one and half year, Three Star has played four matches against MMC and has been undefeated, winning three and drawing one.
"MMC is a strong opponent but we won´t be weak either," Three Star coach Meghraj KC said, "We have come here to lift the title and prepared accordingly so we will play for the win." According to KC Three Star is in high morale as it is not defeated at the hands of MMC in last four matches.
Three Star had defeated MMC 4-3 during tie-breaker in the final of British Gorkha Cup last year. Similarly, in the ninth edition (2067 BS) of Aaha Gold Cup final Three Star defeated MMC 1-0. In Martyrs Memorial League held some months earlier, Three star defeated MMC 1-0 and in National League they played 1-1 draw.
Three Star will also come up in the 4-4-2 formation but will change strategy as per the match, said coach KC. Santosh Sahukhala and Buddha Chemjong will be assigned the duty of forwards while Bikram Lama, Nirajan Khadka, Bishan Guachan and Anil Ojha will come as midfielders. Ravi Thapa, Bishnu Sunwar, Sabindra Shrestha and Biraj Maharjan will come up in the starting line up as defenders.
"As it is also time for new contract of players, we must win the match at any cost. It will boost the morale of players and club," KC said.
The winner will bag a purse of Rs 250,000 and runner up Rs 150,000. The best player of the tournament will get a Yamaha Motorbike and the highest scorer will be awarded with Rs 20,000. The man-of-the-final will be given Rs 15,000.
Winners
2055 Bulgeria Sporting Club (India)
2056 Nepal Police Club
2057 Dhanmondi Club (Bangladesh)
2058 Nepal Police Club
2059 Nepal Police Club
2060 Manang Marshyangdi Club
2061 Three Star Club
2062 African United Club
2063 Three Star Club
2064 Nepal Police Club
2065 Three Star Club
2066 Ranipokhari Corner Team
2067 Manang Marshyangdi Club
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