Pitted in Group C, it will be the second time that MMC will be representing Nepal in the tournament. In 2006 MCC crashed out of the preliminary stage after losing two of their three matches. MMC are determined this time around to at least make it to the knockout stages with draw also favouring the team. In the three-team Qualifier, two will make the final round.

“We have to perform better to make sure we qualify for the final round,” said MMC skipper Sagar Thapa during the pre-match press conference here on Wednesday. Apart from skipper Thapa, Shahid Aziz, Deepak Bhusal and Biraj Maharjan will hold the backline for MMC, while Sujal Shrestha, Sulav Maskey, Shiv Shrestha Rupesh KC and Bishal Rai hold the midfield. Anil Gurung, Nirajan Malla and Deepak Rai will be deployed up front.

Freezing weather and artificial turf will be  major challenges for MMC to overcome. Thapa was determined to earn qualification even if they have never experienced playing in an artificial turf. Svarieng coach Sam Vanndeth believed that his side was capable to beat the Nepali club considering that his side boosts three national players.

His MMC counterpart  Navin Neupane countered by saying that his team also includes six national players and have better chance to earn a ticket to the final round. This will be the last edition of the tournament as AFC has already decided to scrap the President’s Cup.