In course of achieving its second title within a month, Nirajan Malla scored the lone goal of the match in the 35th minute. Malla score in a pass from skipper Anil Gurung. Earlier, MMC had lifted the title of Ncell Cup on October 13 defeating RCT 6-1 in the final. Malla was declared the man-of-the-match.[break]
Winner MMC bagged a purse of Rs 305,000 and the runner-up Machhindra was satisfied with Rs 150,000 along with trophies and certificates. With the win, MMC extended its unbeaten run to a ninth match.
PHOTO: SANTOSH POKHAREL
Machhindra, which threw tough fight over the comparatively stronger MMC, missed several chances including a penalty which cost the team dear. MMC goalie Emmanuel saved a penalty taken by Machhindra skipper Dipak Rai in the 28th minute. The penalty was awarded after defender Bikash Singh Chhetri handed the ball at the area.
Earlier, in the 16th minute Karna Limbu´s header sailed inches wide from the crossbar in a corner taken by Prabesh Katuwal. Two minutes later, Karna Limbu again missed a scoring chance. Similarly, in the 34th minute, Karna Limbu again fired off the target in an unattended post after beating African goalie Emmanuel.
COURTESY: SUDHARSHAN RANJIT
On the other hand, champion MMC could not create as many chances as that of Machhindra. In the very third minute, scorer Malla had missed a chance in skipper Gurung´s pass. In the 32nd minute, Machhindra custodian Dinesh Thapa Magar saved a powerful strike by Amir Shrestha in a corner taken by Nepali international Sujal Shrestha.
Machhindra coach Raju Shakya said his side was defeated despite better show than the opponent. "It was a misfortune that we missed several chances including penalty and a one-on-one chance," Shakya said. "In comparison to MMC we came up with better show but it was due to our weaknesses that we missed several opportunities. However, we played better games."
COURTESY: SUDHARSHAN RANJIT
MMC coach Krishna Thapa, who also extended his unbeaten run to nine matches after his debut as coach of the A division side, said that it was the worst match played by his side in the tournament. "It was our weakest performance in the tournament. Though the players failed to come up with satisfactory performance our custodian was superb today," said Thapa, who was full of praise for Emmanuel.
"Luck also favored us today. Opponents missed several chances today," he added.
COURTESY: SUDHARSHAN RANJIT
Thapa also opined that opponents lost their morale after conceding a goal while his side played with high level of confidence in the second half. "We used to go to the temple before playing every match and today also we had visited Akalamai and offered prayers to her before playing the final and it was a blessing for us," said Thapa.
Machhindra´s Bishal Rai B was declared the best players of the tournament. He was awarded Rs 75,000 and a trophy while best player in other four positions -- goalkeeping, defending, midfield, forward -- and best coach were awarded Rs 5,000 and a watch worth Rs 15,000 each. Deepak Rai of Machhindra won the highest scorer award for scoring five goals in the tournament.
Awards
Bishal Rai of Machhindra: Overall best
Binay Shrestha of Himalayan Sherpa: best goalkeeper
Zambo Anatolo of MMC: Best defender
Bishal Rai B of Machindra: Best midfielder
Nirajan Malla of MMC: Best forward
Krishna Thapa of MMC: Best coach
Deepak Rai of Machindra: Highest scorer
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