Deepak Rai struck a brace while Sulabh Maskey, Nirajan Malla and Shahid Aziz added a goal apiece for the league champions of Nepal. MMC were also helped by an own goal from Moul Daravron. Nub Tola scored twice and Soun Veasna for Svarieng.

The result mean MMC can qualify for the final round from Group C if Svarieng and Erchim FC of Mongolia settle for a draw in Sunday’s match.

Despite playing on a chilly 6 degree Celsius temperature and on the artificial turf, Rai put MMC ahead early in the sixth minute. Rai converted from a tight angle following an Anil Gurung cross. “It was crucial that we scored early which opened up the floodgate,” said MMC coach Nabin Neupane.

Moul Daravron then conceded an own goal to double the MMC lead in the eighth minute before Aziz slammed a spectacular goal, converted from the edge of the area in the 24th minute.

Svarieng pulled a goal back 12 minutes later when Soun Veasna converted a freekick from just outside the area. The Cambodian side made it 3-2 in the 56th minute when Nub Tola capitalised on a silly mistake from MMC skipper Sagar Thapa to nudge home the second goal.

MMC finally got their fourth in the 62nd minute when Rai pounced on a pass from Sujal Shrestha to score his second goal of the game. Maskey made it 5-2 in the 76th minute heading home a rebound that came off the bar from his initial shot.

MMC put the game to bed when substitute Malla scored the sixth goal in the 81st minute. Tola still had time to pull back another goal for Svarieng four minutes later capitalising on a poor MMC defending. MMC coach Neupane said: “Our strength has been the defense but it was too loose today. MMC will play Erchim on May 5.