Kathmandu, March 8:

Mahendra Police Club (MPC) claimed the Martyrs Memorial San Miguel ‘A’ Division League championship with a 2-0 win over Tribhuvan Army Club in the deciding match here amidst the capacity crowd at the Dasharath Stadium today.

MPC received Rs two million and also qualified for the AFC President’s Cup to be held in Pakistan in May.

The Armymen failed to cash on to their one point advantage over the MPC, who were without their skipper Hari Khadka. Khadka, who injured his knee in the last match against Armed Police Force, took the field for few minutes before being substituted by Arjun Rijal.

The Army club just needed a draw to win the championship while MPC were in need of an outright win to lift the trophy. Ramesh Budhathoki and Jumanu Rai scored for MPC.

Despite having the advantage, the Armymen played under more pressure with Bikarna Shrestha alone ruining four easy opportunities. It was Budhathoki who broke the deadlock in the 63rd minute with a perfect skill before firing home.

Jumanu sealed the win when he headed home the low cross from Bhola Silwal in the 85th minute. Credits also to MPC goalkeeper Ritesh Thapa who made as many as four brilliant saves.

“The game was much about absorbing pressure,” said MPC coach Birat Krishna Shrestha, who credited his players for testing the patience of the Armymen. “I knew the team that resisted the pressure would win.”

TAC skipper Bikash Malla said that they were unlucky to lose the match and the title. “We got opportunities, but failed to utilise,” said dejected Malla.

Earlier, Sankata Kathmandu Mall Club beat New Road Team (NRT) 2-1. Bharat Khawas and Santosh Maharjan scored for Sankata while Jiven Sinkeman replied for NRT on a penalty.

Speaker of the Legislature-Parliament Subas Nembang, Minister for Education and Sports Prof Dr Mangal Siddhi Manandhar, president of Vaidya Organisation Industries and Trading Houses Suraj Vaidya, member secretary of the National Sports Council Jeevan Ram Shrestha gave away prizes to the winners.

Prize money

Winner: Rs 2m (MPC)

Runner-up: Rs 1m (TAC)

3rd: Rs 500,000 (Three Star)

4th: Rs 300,000 (MMC)

5th: Rs 200,000 (APF)

6th: Rs 100,000

(Machhindra)

7th: Rs 60,000 (Friends)

8th: Rs 40,000 (NRT)

Fair play: Rs 50,000

(Machhindra)

Facts

• Total players used in the league: 361

• Total goals: 487 (268 in first leg, 219 second leg)

• Hat-tricks: 16

• Team to field most players: Brigade Boys Club (34)

• Most number of scorers in a team: MMC (14)

• Players to play full time in all the 26 matches: Diwas Rai (Machhindra), Ritesh Thapa (MPC), and Bikash Malla, Santosh Nepali, Surendra Chaudhary, Mahendra Khawas, Bishwo Biarag Samal (TAC)

• Team to field least players: Tribhuvan Army Club (19)

• Total yellow cards: 259

• Total red cards: 14

• Most yellow cards received by a team: RCT (30)

• Most red cards received by a team: Jawalakhel Youth Club (3)