Dhangadhi, January 14

Laxmi Hyundai Manang Marshyangdi Club won the title of the first Bhageshwor Group Far-west Khaptad Gold Cup Football Tournament at the Dhangadhi Stadium today.

Skipper Anil Gurung's solitary goal was enough for MMC to beat CMG Club Sankata 1-0 in the final in front of nearly 7,000 spectators. Gurung scored the match winning goal in the third minute capitalising on poor coordination among Sankata players.

Although, MMC dominated the first half Sankata tried hard to bounce back and also created goal scoring opportunities but failed to convert them. Sankata got an opportunity to level the tally but Bishwo Adhikari failed to convert the penalty in the 82nd minute.

MMC captain Anil Gurung said the team had arrived in Far-west to win the title. "I am happy to win the title of the first edition of the tournament as our mission was to become the champions," the MMC skipper said.

Sankata coach Salyan Khadgi said his side was unlucky to miss the penalty. "We lost the match as we failed to convert the penalty in to the goal," he said.

Champions MMC bagged Rs 500,000 along with trophy, while runners-up Sankata received Rs 251,000.

MMC's skipper Gurung was named the best player of the tournament and received Yamaha motorcycle. MMC’s Biraj Maharjan won the best defender's award, while Chhiring Lopsan Gurung was named the best coach.

Similarly, Sankata's Raju Nagarkoti received the best goalkeeper's award, Kencho Tagbe from Druk Star of Bhutan got the award of the best striker, Far-west-XI’s Narendra Chaudhary was the rising player of the tournament, while Maniram Chaudhary was the highest scorer. Winners of the individual awards got Rs 15,000 each.

Meanwhile, Far-west-XI Sports Club President Suresh Hamal announced that the organisers will double the prize amount of the tournament as the winners and runners-up will receive Rs 1.11 million and Rs 555,555 respectively from next edition.