Army, which has been beaten twice earlier in the final by another departmental rival, Nepal Police Club, is looking to claim the title for the first time, which is also the first major title for this season.Similarly, Manang, a local favorite, hopes to win the title for the fourth time and show that the team is still the best in the competition. This is the team's eighth appearance in the tournament's final for the team.
Skippers and coaches of both the teams have vowed that they will not leave any stone unturned to claim the title.
Army coach Megharaj KC said that the final encounter will be something to watch. "This is the first competition of the season, so we will play the final with the strategy to win," said KC.
"We will have no difficulties in winning the title as our substitutes are equally strong. Our players will strive till the referee blows the last whistle as players of Army could play in the same tempo till the last moment," he added.
Army and Manang faced each other five times in the last season with Army winning four and losing a match.
Similarly, Army skipper Bharat Khawas also said that the departmental team will easily beat the opponent as the recent results have been in the favor of his side.
"The final will be just as competitive as in the past," said Bharat.
In Aaha-Rara, both teams have faced each other twice, with Manang winning both the matches.
Meanwhile, Manang coach Chhiring Lopshang Gurung opined that his team was technically better than the Army.
"Army will play physical game, however, we will play technical game that will secure our win against the departmental side," said Gurung. "The whole team has worked hard and the club has shown faith in me," Gurung added.
"We will comfortably beat the opposition even though seven of our key players are not in the squad. The new players are excited and in perfect set," said Gurung.
Manang skipper Anil Gurung said that the team had had a tough training targeting the Aaha-Rara which is why the team sailed into the final. Anil predicted that the team scoring the first goal will be victorious.
Manang has been the runner-up of the 12th and 13th editions.
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