Himalayan News Service

Jhapa, March 13:

Mahendra Police Club (MPC) will take on Telegraph Association of Kolkata in the final of the 16th Tribhuvan Memorial Gold Cup Football Tournament at Mechi Stadium on Monday. MPC finished runners-up in the national league, while Telegraph Association finished sixth at Kolkata Super League. Out of the last 15 editions of the tournament, the national teams have won the title only three times, while the rest 12 titles has gone to the visitors. And, the policemen are eying the cup for the second time. MPC last won the title in 1976. They lost to Bhagalpur of Bihar in 1978 and in 1991, they were beaten by Janakpur Cigarette Factory.

After returning empty handed in their last two tournaments of the year, the policemen are looking for a title in their third final. The policemen won the Himalayan Bank Cup beating national league champions Three Star Club in the capital, but lost to Manang Marsyangdi Club in the final of the Aha Gold Cup in Pokhara.

The Tribhuvan Memorial Gold Cup was not an easy journey for the MPC. They ousted Three Star Club in the quarters and then made their way into the final beating Jawalakhel Youth Club, who defeated the policemen in Budha Subba Gold Cup semi-finals in Dharan last month.

Hari Khadka, the MPC star playing on his home ground, has been scoring in every match so far. He has five goals to his credit, including a hat-trick in their 4-0 win over Morang XI. Now, Hari wants to carry on with his scoring form, and is confident that he will please his home crowd this time around. “I have scored in all the previous matches in this tournament, and I am confident to score in the final too,” said Khadka. MPC coach Yugambar Suwal said: “Main threat is from the two Liberian players in the Telegraph Association, otherwise our overall game is better.” Telegraph Association are facing MPC for the first time. Skipper Gautam Kole said: “This is the first time we are playing against MPC, we have seen them playing before. They are not an easy to opposition.”