Manang Marshyangdi Club (MMC) ended their league campaign with grand celebrations, lifting their record-seventh league crown as the curtain came down on the Martyrs Memorial Red Bull A Division League here at the Dashrath Stadium, on Saturday. 

The new league champions, however, had to endure a narrow 2-1 defeat at the hands of defending champions Three Star Club in the final fixture of the league in a rain-soaked Dashrath Stadium on Saturday. 

MMC who last won the league in 2006, ended their eight-year title drought on Tuesday with a 2-0 victory over Nepal Police Club (NPC) 2-0. They have now become the most successful domestic team with seven league titles, surpassing the previous best of six titles by relegated Ranipokhari Corner Team.

The league title adds to MMC’s list of trophies in their tremendous season which sees them crossing over Rs 10 million in tournament prize money after wins in the Gurkha Cup, King’s Cup (Thimpu), Safal Pokhara Cup and NCell Cup.

“It has been a brilliant campaign for us and the players deserve all the credit. Everyone has contributed at different moments during the season. Teamwork and coordination has been the key for our success,” said MMC coach Hari Om Shrestha.

Shrestha also pointed out that MMC have been lucky during the course of the 

season. “Whenever we have lost, the teams that were chasing us in the table have lost too. But we managed to pick up points throughout the season and that is what matters at the end.”

Defender Sagar Thapa, an influential member of the triumphant MMC side in 2006, lifted his first league title as captain. He could hardly hold his emotions as he said: “All the players and the coaching staff have worked hard throughtout the season. It is a really proud moment for me personally,” said Thapa. 

Three Star captain Santosh Shahukhala scored twice from the spot on either side of MMC forward Anil Gurung’s brilliant finish just after the half-hour mark. 

Santosh Shahukhala opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 10th minute after Sulav Maskey brought down Nijan Khadka inside the area.

 Gurung then brought MMC level after his brilliant strike from the edge of the area nestled into the top corner, leaving Three Star custodian Kiran Chemjong helpless in the 32nd minute. 

The champions were again punished for their poor defending after Bishal Rai’s poorly time tackle brought down Bikram Lama inside the area in the 43rd minute, 

allowing Shaukhala to score his second of the game from the spot.

MMC wrapped up the season with 35 points, one point ahead of second-placed Machhindra Football Club. Defending champions Three Star end a disappointing campaign on third with 32 points, while Nepal Police Club finish fourth on 26.

“It was disappointing to end the season with a defeat. We created decent chances 

to score throughout the  game but some defensive errors  cost us dear,” said MMC coach Shrestha. 

“We lost both of our games against Three Star but we managed to pick up points from vital games in the season,” said Shrestha, pointing out to his side 1-0 loss to the defending champions earlier in the first round of the season.

“We have played poorly at times but it is difficult for the players to perform at a high level in every match considering they play a game every alternative day. Many of them played despite having injurings at different times in the season and I think they deserve all the credit,” added jubilant Shrestha.