Defending champions Manang Marshyangdi Club (MMC) will go as clear favourties when they take on hosts Sahara FC in the final of the 15th Aaha-Rara Gold Cup on Saturday.

MMC are fresh from winning the Khaptad Gold Cup title last month in Dhangadi and their eyes will be firmly set on title defence at the Pokhara Stadium where they have won a massive support since the inception of the tournament. MMC are one of the most successful clubs in the tournament history having won the tournament four times.

But at their home ground, Sahara will be building a plot to deny MMC their second consecutive title. Sahara had stunned MMC 1-0 when they first won the title in the 12th edition and they will look to repeat history. However, their stride into the semi-final has not been satisfactory needing tie breaker victories against United Sikkim and Tribhuvan Army Club in the quarter-finals and semi-finals.

MMC, meanwhile, had relatively easy ride sweeping aside Dharan 4-1 and edging a strong-looking Sankata team 1-0 in the last four. But MMC coach Chhiring Lhopsang Gurung doesn’t want to take the hosts lightly. “We have to score first to have an edge in the game,” said Gurung.

“Sahara have a strong team this time. We had lost to them in the final of the 12th edition but both teams have different players compared to the past. We are very much prepared to beat them,” said Gurung. MMC skipper Anil Gurung said there was no pressure on his side. “We take to the field according to the strategies set by the team. I am hopeful that it is going to be a tough game and since we are used to playing in the finals, we don’t have any pressure,” said Gurung.

Ahead of the final, Sahara has bolstered its squad by the inclusion of Hemant Gurung and Man Bahadur Tamang. Coach Kiran Shrestha said his team is prepared to take on MMC. “MMC is a very good team but we have prepared for this tournament for a long time. Although we have new players in the side, the boys have been playing with high spirit. We will make the most out of the resources available,” said Shrestha. The winners will get Rs 500,000 and the runners-up will take home Rs 251,000.