Star-studded Machhindra Club edged past Three Star Club 1-0 to lift the Satashi Gold Cup title in Jhiljhile, Jhapa on Sunday. It was their second title in a week.

A third-minute penalty goal from national team forward Bimal Gharti Magar was enough for Machhindra to clinch their maiden knockout title. Last Saturday, they won the Martyrs Memorial 'A' Division League.

Machhindra were awarded a penalty after Nigerian forward Adelaja Somide was brought down by Three Star defender Ashok Khawas inside the area. Gharti Magar made no mistake from the spot to give Machhindra the lead. They threatened yet again in the ninth minute but goalie Purna Chemjong denied a Bishal Rai 'B' header.

Three Star's Indian recruit Lal Rammarva went close to scoring for the Lalitpur-based club in the 23rd minute. But the forward’s shot from the edge of the area was inches wide from the target. He had another chance in the 39th minute but with the same result.

Three Star continued to probe the Machhindra defence and went close to finding an equaliser in the 43rd minute. After dribbling past custodian Bishal Shrestha, Rammarva unleashed a powerful shot but defender Devendra Tamang cleared it from the goal line.

In the 66th minute, Three Star’s goalie Chemjong denied two successive attempts. He parried Nigerian Andres Nia powerful strike before the ball fell at Bishal Rai 'A' who unleashed a scorcher, forcing the goalie to punch the ball to safety.

Three Star could have come on level terms in the 74th minute, but Mikchen Tamang's freekick rattled on the woodwork. Gharti Magar faced a similar fate for Machhindra in the 74th minute when his volley smashed the crossbar. Three Star's last effort for an equaliser came during the stoppage time when Shrestha prevented Tamang's strike from the edge of the play area.

Machhindra defender Devendra Tamang was adjudged the man of the match and collected a cash prize of Rs10,000.

Three Star skipper Bikram Lama won player of the tournament award that carries a purse of Rs50,000. Machhindra's Bishal Shrestha was declared the best goalkeeper of the tournament while his teammates, Rejin Subba and Peter Segun were declared the best forward and defender. Machhindra's Prabesh Katuwal was named as the best coach. Three Star's Rupesh KC got the best midfielder award and Sanjit Rai of hosts Satashi Dham Sporting Club was named as the emerging player. All the individual award winners received Rs20,000 each.

Winners Machhindra were rewarded Rs600,000 while runners-up Three Star walked away with Rs300,000. The knockout tournament saw the participation of eight teams, including four top tier sides.