Both the teams are eager to lift the title of the last major football tournament of the year. While this is the second time Army has reached the final of Budhasubba Gold Cup, HKNF has made it to the final for the first time. [break]
However, one thing common between the two teams is that neither of them has won the tournament so far. So this is an opportunity for both the teams to create history by lifting their first title.
The two teams, both of which feature household names in Nepali football, are likely to play an attacking game in what could be a thrilling climax to the tournament.
Army, which finished third in the recently concluded Martyrs Memorial Red Bull A Division Football League, is buoyed by the presence of its star striker Bharat Khawas who was adjudged the best player of the league.
The club´s morale is also high because of its good form of late. Army made it to the final eliminating strong contender Manang Marshyangdi Club and then host Dharan FC in the semifinal.
The HKNF team features five national footballers, including skipper Sagar Thapa, and three players from Hong Kong. HKNF has also proven its title credentials by knocking out three-time champion Nepal Police Club and four-time champion and league winner Laxmi Bank Three Star Club earlier in the tournament.
“Attack is the best form of defense. So we will try to score with an attacking display,” said Army´s manager Bikash Malla. “But we will not take HKNF lightly as it has defeated a strong team like Three Star,” he added.
Army´s striker Khawas failed to score in the last two games as he was constantly marked by two opponents, according to Army´s coach Saila Maharjan.
“Although he could not score, he was able to set up the winning goals. So we are expecting a lot from him in the final too,” said Maharjan.
HKNF coach Ang Tendi Sherpa is also optimistic about winning the title. “We have come here to play the match because we are confident of winning the title.”
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