MMC, who had defeated Svarieng FC of Cambodia 6-3 in their tournament opener on Thursday, needed Erchim FC to defeat Svarieng FC on Saturday and the Mongolian club returned with a 3-1 victory. The result saw both MMC and Erchim secure their berths for the finals offered from the group.

MMC’s qualification for the finals also helped them secure a spot in the 2015 AFC Cup playoffs, becoming the first Nepali team to do so. The AFC Cup will be participated by the bottom 23 teams out of 47 Asian Football Confederation members. The outcome of the match between MMC and Erchim on Monday will determine the group winners.

MMC coach Nabin Neupane was happy with the desired outcome. “This is exactly the result we had been waiting for. To reach the finals is a gift for Nepali football. We had headed for the tournament without getting any match exposure but we gave our best here to qualify for the finals,” said Neupane.

MMC, who had crashed out of the group stage of the 2006 edition, are the third Nepali club to reach the President’s Cup finals after Three Star and Nepal Police Club. Skipper Sagar Thapa said MMC have proved themselves by reaching the finals. “We have made our point that we can be formidable teams like Three Star and NPC,” the skipper added.

Thapa and Neupane both have one appearance in the President’s Cup from MMC and New Road Team respectively. Neupane believes taking the team to the finals as a coach has given him a boost. “This tournament was a test for me as a coach which I passed. I am now confident that we can top the group on Monday,” said Neupane.