Church Boys United (CBU) emerged as the champions of the Mechinagar Gold Cup 2081, defeating hosts Kakarvitta FTC 1-0 in the final. Despite missing key players Arik Bista, Rohan Karki, and Ananta Tamang due to national team duty, CBU managed to secure the title with a solid performance.
Match Summary
The only goal of the match came in a bizarre fashion early in the game. Kakarvitta FTC player Hemant Limbu attempted a back pass from the half-line, but it landed directly at the feet of Samir Tamang. Tamang took advantage of the situation, sprinting forward while evading two defenders before finishing beautifully to score the decisive goal.
Samir Tamang’s impressive display earned him the Man of the Match award.
Individual Awards
- Emerging Player of the Tournament: Prasu Rai (NPR 15,000)
- Best Defender of the Tournament: Diwash Urau (Kakarvitta FTC) – NPR 21,000
- Top Scorer of the Tournament: Abayomi Fakunle (Church Boys United)
- Best Goalkeeper of the Tournament: Tikendra Singh Thapa (Church Boys United) – NPR 21,000
- Best Coach of the Tournament: Suman Shrestha (Church Boys United) – NPR 21,000
- Best Player of the Tournament: Khamir Glishan Kandangwa (Kakarvitta FTC) – NPR 51,000
Road to the Final
Church Boys United had a tough journey to the final:
- Quarterfinal: Defeated Jhapa FC (Nepal Super League team) 5-4 in sudden death penalties.
- Semifinal: Came from behind to beat Machhindra Football Club 4-3.
Kakarvitta FTC also had a remarkable campaign:
- Quarterfinal: Defeated Indian side Georgian FC 4-2.
- Semifinal: Overcame Dharan FC 5-4 in sudden death penalties.
Prize Distribution
The winners, Church Boys United, received a cash prize of NPR 10,00,000 (10 lakh), while the runners-up, Kakarvitta FTC, were awarded NPR 500,000 (5 lakh). Koshi Province Chief Minister Hikmat Karki was present to distribute the prizes to the winners.
This victory marks Church Boys United’s fourth title of the season, adding to their triumphs in the Jhapa Gold Cup, Falgunanda Gold Cup, and Bagmati Gold Cup. It is also their first-ever Mechinagar Gold Cup title.
