Subash Gurung struck the winner as Manang Marshyangdi Club (MMC) edged National League runners-up Tribhuvan Army Club (TAC) 1-0 to win the 14th Aaha-Rara Gold Cup title on Saturday. 

In a nail-biting final at the vibrant Pokhara Stadium, Gurung struck in the 59th minute handing MMC the fourth title of the prestigious tournaments held outside the Kathmandu Valley. Along with the title, MMC grabbed a purse of Rs 501,000 and runners-up TAC took Rs 351,000.

MMC had defeated the same opponents 2-1 in the semi-finals of the previous edition before missing out on a title losing to Three  Star 1-0 in the final. In a move initiated by Sujal Shrestha, Gurung scored close from the goal line on a cross from Anil Gurung. It was the only goal that Army Club had conceded in the tournament.

Oladipo Olawale Afeez was named the best forward and highest scorer, while Kiran Chemjong (goalkeeper), Biswash Shrestha (best player) and Tshering Lopsang Gurung (coach) were other MMC individuals to sweep awards. Dip Lama (midfielder) and Hiranya Magar (defender) from TAC took the other individual honours. Hosts Sahara won the Fair Play trophy.

Coach Gurung lauded his boys for a fine display. “We missed seven of our regular players but the boys did extremely well because TAC are always strong opponents,” said Gurung. His TAC counterpart Megh Raj KC rued the missed chances. “We had few opportunities that we squandered. But we still played a good game,” said KC.