Manang Marshyangdi Club (MMC) claimed the first International Invitational Khaptad Gold Cup football tournament with a slim 1-0 victory over Sankata Club here at the Dhangadi Stadium on Saturday.

Skipper Anil Gurung’s second minute goal turned out to be the decider as MMC earned some solace after losing the Hetauda Gold Cup title to Tribhuvan Army Club last week. MMC earned a cash purse of Rs 500,000, while runners-up Sankata got Rs 251,000. The tournament is so far the highest cash-prize football event in the Farwest Region.

Gurung capped a memorable final as he was adjudged the man-of-the-match and man-of-the-final for which he rode a motorcycle. At the vibrant Dhangadi Stadium, Sankata created several goal scoring opportunities but missed out on all occasion. They were left ruing a penalty miss in the second half when Bishwo Adhikari’s shot from the spot hit the woodworks.

Gurung was extremely satisfied with the result. “We had come here to win the title and our guys put enough hard work to return victorious,” said Gurung. Sankata coach Salyang Khadgi said nothing went according to the plans for his side. “We were pretty unfortunate in the game today missing several scoring chances. And that penalty miss summed up the day for us,” said Khadgi.

Biraj Maharjan (defender) of MMC, Raju Nagarkoti (goalkeeper) of Sankata, Narendra Chaudhary (emerging player) and Maniram Chaudhary (highest goal scorer) of hosts Far West XI and Chhiring Lhopsang Gurung (coach) of MMC were declared the best individuals. They got Rs 15,000 apiece.

Suresh Hamal, President of Far West XI, said the organisers will raise the prize money for the next edition. According to Hamal, the champions next year will receive Rs 11,11,111 and the runners-up will get Rs 555,555. A total of 12 teams including nine from Nepal, two from India and one from Bhutan had participated in the tournament.