Ram Thapa hit the winning spot-kick for MMC in sudden death after Alexis Liken was denied by MMC goalie Bishal Shrestha. [break]
Sulav Maskey, Bishal Shrestha and Anjan KC converted three successive spot-kicks for MMC while Niraj Remi Magar, Bhim Darlami and Sulav Jung Rana scored for the defending champions.
Earlier, the tie-breaker had ended 4-4 following a goalless regulation time and added 15 minutes. In the tie-breaker, Shiva Shrestha of MMC and Krishna Kunwar of RCT each missed the first spot-kick. Skipper Tashi Tshering, Sabindra Shrestha, Kalu Thapa and Ganesh Khadka converted for MMC, while Shekhar Limbu, Antello Agemoru, Prabesh Katuwal and Dilip Chhetri scored for RCT.
With the win, MMC bagged a purse of Rs 200,000 while the runners-up received Rs 100,000.
This is the second title of the season for MMC and also their second Budhasubba title. Earlier, they had won the sixth edition of Budhasubba in 2003.
Earlier during regulation time, both the sides squandered some scoring opportunities. In the 15th minute, Shiva´s header in Ganesh Khadka´s corner was caught by RCT goalie Dilip Chhetri. Similarly, Tanka Basnet twice failed to score during the first half, while Anjan KC and Ram Thapa also failed to find the net as goalie Chhetri made heroic saves.
RCT also missed some scoring chances. In the fourth minute, Liken´s header in Katuwal´s corner went wide. Rana could not meet a pass from Amar Dangol in the 16th minute.
Rana hit wide during the injury time of first half with only the goalie to beat, and again failed to beat goalie Bishal Shrestha in a one-on-one situation later.
The victory was special for provisional coach Devendrajung Shahi, who has taken charge of the senior side for the first time as their regular coach Balgopal Maharjan is on leave of a month to train Denzong Boys of Sikkim, India. "I am pleased to win the title in my first assignment as coach of the senior team," said Shahi, while also attributing the poor finishing of the forwards and an under-par performance by the midfielders for a goalless regulation time.
RCT coach Madhu Karki said that missing scoring chances in one-on-one situations cost them dear.
Liken of RCT won the Bird Mobile Man of the Final award and received Rs 10,000, while Shiva Shrestha was declared man of the tournament. He bagged Rs 25,000. Nirajan Rayamajhi of Workers Martyrs Memorial Club won the highest scorer award with three goals in his name. He had scored a hat-trick against Namchi Football Club of Sikkim.
Defending champion MMC lifts Aaha-Rara Gold Cup title