Himalayan News Service

Pokhara, January 21:

Pokhara Stadium will witness the replay of last years final when two powerhouses — Manang Marsyangdi Club and Mahendra Police Club — clash in the final of the third Aha Gold Cup Football Tournament on Saturday. Manang Marsyangdi Club (MMC) will be defending their title which they won beating the policemen last year, while Mahendra Police Club (MPC) will be looking for revenge.

MMC entered the final beating hosts Sahara Club ‘red’, while the MPC made it to the finals beating Three Star Club, which won the national league with an unbeaten record.

A good news for MMC is that striker Rajan Rayamajhi has got his form back and Sunil Subedi, contracted from Boys Union Club, has been playing a key role in the forward line along with striker Basanta Thapa, who won the highest scorer’s award at the national league.

“We wanted to face Three Star Club in the final, as my boys were keen to beat the national league champions,” said a confident MMC coach Tshering Lopsang. “We beat them (Mahendra Police Club) last year and I am sure that we can defend the title this year too,” added Lopsang.

On the other hand, the policemen are on a high after their striker Hari Khadka got his rhythm back and on his day can be a threat to any team. Other striker Ramesh Budhathoki has been playing well and will be another headache for the opponents. “We are ready to take revenge and lift the title this year,” said MPC coach Yogumber Suwal. “MPC are back on track and this time it is difficult to stop us,” he added.