A brace from MMC striker Santosh Sahukhala and a goal each from Naresh KC and Sujal Shrestha steered MMC into the final for the fifth time.
MMC have won the title twice, while it still remains elusive for the hosts. They have never progressed beyond the semifinals in nine attempts.[break]
MMC took an early lead as Sahukhala scored the opening goal collecting a rebound off Sahara goalkeeper Sagar Gurung in the 11th minute.
Sahukhala, the highest paid striker in domestic football, then doubled the lead in the 69th minute volleying home Ganesh Khadka´s free-kick from 25 yards. Soon after the second goal, coach Bal Gopal Maharjan substituted Naresh KC for Sahukhala. Thirteen minutes later, in the 82nd minute KC calmly slotted the ball home from the box for MMC´s third goal.
Having taken a 3-0 lead MMC players, though assured of victory with only few minutes remaining, did not stop flexing their muscles. Sujal Shrestha scored the fourth goal in a pass set by Bijay Gurung in the 87th minute to seal the match.
MMC kept the hosts under constant pressure throughout the game as Sahara´s Uttam Gurung squandered a couple of chances to score. MMC custodian Bishal Shrestha denied Gurung a goal when he saved Gurung´s free-kick that was headed toward the post. MMC custodian Shrestha was later adjudged the man of the match.
Sahara coach Kiran Shrestha said his team lost control of the game after the second goal. He added that the team failed to utilize some good scoring opportunities.
(Photo: Republica)
MMC will face the winners of Thursday´s semifinal match between Nabil Three Star Club and Nepal Police Club in the title decider. The final will be held on Saturday at the Pokhara Stadium.
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