RCT defeated tough opponents Nepal Police Club in tiebreaker in the final match played at the Dharan Stadium. It is the first title victory for RCT after the Birthday Cup win in 2000. [break]
The regulation time ended in a 2-2 draw and both the team failed to score in the added time, leading the match to tiebreaker.
RCT custodian Dileep Chhetri played a vital role in sealing the victory. Chhetri blocked spot kicks from Bhola Silwal, Yogesh Shrestha and Robin Shrestha during his heroic performance. Deepen Shrestha was the only NPC player to score in the tiebreaker. Krishna Kunwar, Santosh Gurung and Deepak Rai scored for the winners.
Deepen Shrestha had given NPC a valuable lead in the 28th minute of the match after RCT defenders and goalkeeper could not maintain their coordination in clearing the ball inside the box.
However, Rishi Rai leveled the score in the second half through a pass from Yogesh Gurung in the 52nd minute. Deepak Rai, then, provided lead to RCT in the 75th minute of the match.
RCT, however, could not enjoy the lead for long. Roshan Karki´s powerful shot from just outside from the box touched the net to level the match at 2-2.
Following the loss, NPC´s dream of winning the Budha Subba Gold Cup for the fourth time was shattered as their first choice players -- Jumanu Rai, Rakesh Shrestha, Chetan Ghimire and Deepak Paudel -- were injured.
Winners RCT bagged Rs 150,000 while the runners-up received Rs 75,000. RCT goalkeeper Dileep was adjudged man-of-the-match and awarded Rs 10,000 while NPC´s Deepen Shrestha was declared man-of-the-tournament. Shrestha bagged away a purse of Rs 25,000.
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