Pokhara, March 2:

Nabil Three Star Club and Carlsberg Manang Marsyangdi Club (MMC) will vie for the championship at the fifth Aaha Gold Cup Football here at the Pokhara Stadium on Saturday.

After being out of the title race at the Martyrs Memorial San Miguel ‘A’ Division League, both the teams would be eager to prove their mettle by winning the championship here. MMC have won the championship here twice while Three Star would be seeking their maiden title.

Three Star beat Knight Chess Club and hosts Sahara Club on their way to the final while MMC paved their way defeating defending champions African United and Armed Police Force Team.

Three Star coach Bal Gopal Maharjan predicted the match to be a competitive one. “As both are the strong teams, they have equal chances,” said Maharjan adding that the team that takes the lead would have the psychological advantage.

Maharjan, however, expressed concern over the absence of his key players, skipper Surendra Tamang and Yugal Kishor Rai. Tamang and Rai were injured during their quarter-final match against Knight Chess Club. Adding to their woes, prolific winger Vijay Gurung also remained doubtful for the final due to hamstring injury.

MMC coach Chhiring Lopsang Gurung said the absence of Three Star strikers — Tamang and Rai — would be an added advantage for them. Gurung said that he would adopt the offensive strategy following their tremendous run in the last two matches.

MMC and Three Star had relatively an easy job making into the final after Tribhuvan Army Club and Mahendra Police Club opted out of the tournament. Both Armymen and Policemen are awaiting the title-deciding match at the national league, which is currently postponed.