Army, MMC to renew rivalry in Kakadbhitta Gold Cup final

Dec 1, 2017-Domestic giants Tribhuvan Army Club and Manang Marshyangdi Club (MMC) will renew their rivalry on Friday when they meet in the final of the Kakadbhitta Gold Cup football tournament in Kakadbhitta, Jhapa.

It will be second time in a week that the two teams will be fighting for the title since Army beat MMC 2-1 in the Satashi Gold Cup final in Jhiljhile, Jhapa. While the departmental team will be aiming to continue its domination over their well known rivals, MMC will be eager to avenge the recent defeat.

En route to the final, the departmental team beat Far West XI 3-0 in tiebreaker in the quarter-finals before defeating Nepal Police Club 3-0 in the semifinals. Army team coach Nabin Neupane is upbeat that his side would keep the winning momentum. “We are confident of winning title. We will beat the opponents for second time in a row,” said the former MMC skipper Neupane. 

Army skipper Bharat Khawas, who has not been at his best so far in the tournament, said that they would like to correct the mistakes they made in their previous games. “I feel that I have not performed well and hope to come up with an improved showing in the final,” said Khawas who will spearhead Army attack with George Prince Karki. Santosh Tamang, Padam Tamang, Bivek Basnet and Dinesh Henjan will be deployed as midfielders. Jeetendra Karki, Bimal Pandey, Suman Aryal and Sudip Shrestha will hold the defence ahead of goal stopper Bikesh Kuthu.

Star Army forward Nawayug Shrestha is doubtful for the final after picking up injury in the Satashi Gold Cup title clash. Shrestha played the second half against Far West but was rested for NPC game. “Henjan is in line to replace him,” said Neupane adding his side will take advantage of absence of MMC winger Sujal Shrestha who was sent off in the semi-final match against Kakadbhitta Football Training Centre.