A stunning Jagajeet Shrestha freekick put SYC ahead in the 24th minute but Machhindra drew level nine minutes later as Bishal Rai scored in the 33rd minute. Zaza’s wonderful long range effort gave MFC the lead on the hour mark while Dilen Loktan’s header 13 minutes later sealed the victory. MFC will now take on hosts Sahara Football Club for a place in the final on Wednesday.

SYC opened the scoring when Jagajeet’s sublime freekick from the edge of the area nestled into the roof of the net in the 24th minute. But their celebrations were cut short nine minutes later as MFC forward  Rai slotted the ball home from close range to level the scores.

MFC, who finished second only a point behind champions Manang Marshyangdi Club in the league, then dominated the game coming close to taking the lead just before the interval when Nico’s venomous strike from the edge of the area flew over the cross bar. MFC deservedly went ahead on the hour mark when Zaza’s powerful 35-yard strike flew into the net. Loktan sealed MFC win 13 minutes later as he headed home Uttam Gurung’s swirling freekick from close range.

MFC coach Johan Kalin accepted that his side were outplayed in the early exchanges but said he was delighted with his side’s impressive comeback. “We made a poor start but we regained our composure after going a goal down. After we equalised we played with more confidence and managed to control the game,” said Kalin.

SYC coordinator Nabin Parajuli also pointed out that MFC equaliser in the first-half proved to be the turning point in the game.

“We made a good start to the game but managed to protect our lead for only nine minutes. We lost concentration after they equalised. They then capitalised on our defensive lapses to score more goals,” said Parajuli.