A solitary goal from Anil Gurung helped Manang Marshyangdi Club (MMC) edge Nepal Police Club (NPC) 1-0 to push the Red Bull National League to its last day as Tribhuvan Army Club (TAC) title hopes ended at the Anfa Complex here on Wednesday.

MMC climbed to the second spot with 31 points, while leaders Three Star have 32 and TAC have 30 with all three left to play one match each. TAC meet NPC in the penultimate day on October 16 where even a victory for them will not be enough to win the title. MMC play Three Star in what serves as the final game where a draw will be enough for the latter to claim the title.

Victory for TAC and a draw for Three Star will see both teams tied on 33 points each with the latter gaining an edge on ‘away goal’ rule. Three Star had played a goalless draw against the Armymen in their home match at the Dashrath Stadium before both teams settled for a 1-1 draw in TAC’s home match at the Anfa Complex. MMC, meanwhile, must win against Three Star to claim the title.

In the match on Wednesday, Gurung’s 50th minute strike was enough for MMC to keep the title hopes alive for them. Man-of-the-match Gurung made the most of an error from Suraj BK to put MMC ahead and ultimately score the winner.

Leonel Mbile Stephens intercepted a back pass from BK at the NPC half and the centre half dribbled past defender Suman Subedi to feed Gurung inside the box. Gurung struck the winner leaving NPC goalie stranded. It was man-of-the-match Gurung’s sixth goal in the league. MMC coach Raju Kaji Shakya was optimistic of winning the title.

“This was a very important victory for us because it came under an immense pressure for us. Our boys are not giving their best but we still managed to come with full three points. The victory today will add some confidence in our boys going into the title decider against Three Star. We will give our everything to defeat Three Star and win the title,” said Shakya.

NPC coach Birat Krishna Shrestha knows his team has depleted having watching the side collect just 13 points from 15 games. Fed up by explaining the same status over and over again, Shrestha rather focused to summarise the game. “We failed to implement our plans today. There is no doubt that we came up with our best with limited resources but went on to concede a silly goal. If you make such mistake in big games, you’re bound to be punished,” said Shrestha.