Three Star to open with MYA match

HIMALAYAN NEWS SERVICE

KATHMANDU: Mega Three Star Club will open the Ncell Cup with a match against Iceberg Madhyapur Youth Association (MYA) as the All Nepal Football Association made the draw public here today.

The match between one of the strongest top tier clubs and newly promoted side MYA will be held at the Dasharat Stadium on September 12. Along with Three Star and MYA, NIB Friends Club and Nepal Armed Police Force Club have been drawn in Group ‘A’.

Laxmi Hyundai Manang Marshyangdi Club, New Road Team, Tribhuvan Army Club and Machhindra Club have been drawn in Group ‘B’ in what it could be called a group of death. The Group ‘C’ features Yeti Himalayan Sherpa Club, McDowell’s Ranipokhari Corner Team, Mahindra Bansbari Club and CMG Club Sankata.

Three time ‘A’ Division League and reigning National League champions Nepal Police Club will play Samsung Jawalakhel Youth Club, Bouddha Football Club and Saraswoti Club in Group ‘D’.

The top two teams after the round robin league will enter the quarter-finals, while for the first time ANFA has adopted head-to-head record between two teams tied on equal points in a race to reach the knockout stage. Goal difference will only be considered secondly if the head-to-head record do not determine the qualifying team.

The winners of Nepal’s highest cash-prize knockout tournament will get Rs 1.5 million, while the runners-up will walk away with Rs 700,000. Losing semi-finalists will earn Rs 150,000 each and the best players in four positions — forward, midfield, defense and goalkeeping — along with the best coach will earn Rs 75,000 each.

Out of Rs 2.875 million cash prizes, the best player of the tournament will get a two-wheeler. ANFA will also provide Rs 100,000 as preparation amount for all the participating clubs.