As both teams were already assured of spots for the tournament proper — the 10th edition and the last one — the goalless draw merely decided the Group winners. Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has already scrapped the event from next year.

Both MMC and Erchim finished on four points each with the Nepal league champions edging home team on better goal difference. MMC had defeated Sverieng FC of Cambodia 6-3 in their first match while Erchim had beaten the same opponent 3-1.

“We are happy with the result as we have achieved our goal: the top place finish,” said MMC skipper Sagar Thapa. MMC withstood intense pressure for the last 10 minutes as they played with a man down when Shahid Aziz was sent off for unnecessarily arguing with referee.

MMC coach Nabin Neupane said: “We went on the offense from the beginning but were unable to score in the first 45 minutes. I am extremely satisfied with my team’s overall performance in the tournament.”