Tribhuvan Army Club set the Pokhara Cup football tournament title showdown with Manang Marshyangdi Club (MMC) after a fighting 1-0 victory over Dharan Football Club in the semi-finals here on Thursday.

At the Pokhara Stadium, striker Nawayug Shrestha once again scored the winner to set a mouthwatering clash against archrivals MMC, who had hammered Nepal Armed Police Force Club 5-0 in Wednesday’s semi-final match. After a goalless draw, Shrestha scored in the 50th minute for his side’s victory.

Santosh Tamang fed skipper Bharat Khawas just outside the area and the striker crossed to Shrestha, who made no mistake converting from close range. It will be second straight final appearance for TAC, who had recently won the Jhapa Gold Cup with a 1-0 win over hosts  Jhapa 1-0 in final  in Birtamode. Shrestha had also scored the winner then.

It was TAC who dominated the game and Khawas missed a certain goalscoring chance in the fifth minute. The skipper was unable to score in a one-versus one encounter with Dharan goalkeeper Binay Shrestha. The custodian was again at his best, punching out a powerful shot from Shrestha. Shrestha also missed three more scoring chances in the game. Padam Tamang of TAC was adjudged the man-of-the-match.

Dharan also squandered the opportunities that came their way. Laxman Ruchal was in hand to put them ahead in the second minute but TAC goalkeeper Bikesh Kuthu denied him in a one-versus-one situation. 

TAC and MMC are meeting for the third time in the knockout event this season. The Armymen lost twice to MMC in the Aaha Gold Cup and Hetauda Gold Cup. TAC coach Megh Raj KC said his side will come up with plans to beat MMC. 

“We missed a few scoring chances today but we will come up with certain strategies to beat MMC,” said KC. Dharan coach Subash KC was left ruing the missed chances. “We had a sure shot opportunity early in the game but failed to score. We could have put TAC under pressure,” said the coach.