Manang Marshyangdi from Nepal are the winners of the King’s Cup 2013! In the finals played today, they won 4-2 against Bhutan’s Yeedzin FC.
It was an exciting,” sit on the edge of your seat match”. Yeedzin in red and Manang Marshyangdi in blue were equally matched in skill and pace.
Yeedzin took the lead in the fifth minute of the game when a great assist by Yeedzin’s Captain Yeshey Dorji translated into a goal after meeting Chencho Gyeltshen’s well-aimed header. The fans that had gathered in the thousands challenging the stadium’s capacity became delirious. The cymbals, drums and a religious horn locally known as the “kangdu” began their football orchestra celebrating and supporting Yeedzin.
Manang equalised in the 33rd minute with a goal from Bishal Rai.
The score was 1-1 till half-time.
In the 70th minute, Yeedzin’s Chencho Gyeltshen scored another goal after yet another assist from team captain Yeshey Dorji. Yeedzin once again had the lead.
It was a short-lived lead because in 71 minutes, Yeedzin accidently slipped in an own goal.
There was no stopping Manang’s goals after that. Manang’s Shiva found his ball at the back of Yeedzin’s net in the 74th minute. Then there was another unexpected goal from Manang’s striker Dipak Rai in the 96th minute which sealed the match as Manang’s.
There were two moments between Manang’s two goals when Yeedzin actually looked like they had a chance. Chencho Gyeltshen who was looking for a hat-trick managed two goal attempts, but one bounced off the upright while the other flew over the net.
Manang Marshyangdi had six shots on target while Yeedzin had five. The usually strict Referee Laba gave only three yellow cards in the match: two Manang players were booked (Captain Sujal Shreshtha, and Bishal Rai) and Yeedzin Captain, Yeshey Dorji.
The man of the match appeared to be Manang’s midfielder Rupesh K.C.
Fans although disappointed about their home team not winning supported Manang’s victory run with gusto. Manang Marshyangdi have finally won the King’s Cup after waiting nine long years, and after placing second in two earlier tournaments.
The King’s Cup trophy was awarded by the Prime Minister of Bhutan, Tshering Tobgay.
An official Manang delegation including the Club’s President were present at the match as well.
