In a thrilling all-departmental final, TAC defeated Nepal Police Club (NPC) 3-1. It was TAC’s first final victory over NPC in the last eight years. The title is also TAC’s first under their newly appointed coach Megh Raj KC.

NPC took an 18th minute lead through a Jumanu Rai penalty. FIFA Referee Sudish Pandey had pointed to the spot after TAC midfielder Raj Tamang tripped Rabin Shrestha inside the area. TAC, however, hit back with Tek Bahadur Budhathoki once again coming to the rescue in the 32nd minute.

Budhathoki struck in a rebound for his fourth goal of the tournament after NPC custodian Ritesh Thapa blocked the initial strike from Bharat Khawas. Both teams then wasted several opportunities and headed into the second half with a 1-1 draw.

TAC kept piling pressure in the match but they failed to find the back of the net until the dramatic last two minutes of the regular time. Khawas struck in the 89th minute utilising a cross from Nawayug Shrestha. The scorer then turned provider in the 90th minute feeding Tanka Basnet in the area and the midfielder coolly converted.

TAC grabbed a purse of Rs 500,000 and NPC got Rs 250,000. NPC’s Bhola Silwal was named the best player of the tournament that won him a motorcycle, while Budhathoki was named tournament’s highest scorer and pocketed Rs 25,000.

Dhirendra Tamang (defender), Raju Tamang (midfielder) and Bikash Malla (goalkeeper) of TAC along with NPC skipper Rai (striker) were the other individual award winners. All four best individuals got Rs 10,000 apiece.