MMC must build momentum early on against Afghan outfit

Going by their current  form and performance,  star -studded Manang Marshyangdi Club rightfully  deserved to  represent Nepal at  the  second edition of the Sheikh Kamal International Club Cup Football taking place  in  Chittagong, Bangladesh.

Having dominated the domestic front,the champion club of Kathmandu enter the competition with high hopes and expectations. They are riding high with  a three -championship winning streak.

They have the momentum and experience  on their side and holds the key to their success. More important,they must use it to its full extent  to extend their winning performance in the Bangladesh tourney.

That said, Manang Marshyangdi Club (MMC),however,are in a different ball game and are up against  formidable opponents. No doubt, the competition is tough, and they will have to be at their very best and display  the ability to produce desired results when needed most.

They must step up the ante and play consistently and show appetite for success at the same time. They will be put to the test throughout and most likely  have to fight their way to the top.

It would be interesting to see how they meet the challenge . Unquestionably, one thing we all agree upon is that unless they rise to the occasion , it will not help their cause.

If you look at MMC squad, they have a boatload of players currently playing for the national team of Nepal. The playing eleven led by experienced Anil Gurung almost has the look of a national team.

The return of mercurial international Rohit Chand after a significant layoff has considerably consolidated the team's midfield and defence.They are in with a real chance of winning the championship. But to have that chance they have to be at the top of their  game and  take their game to   a higher level  and show fighting spirit.

Head Coach Chhiring Lopsang Gurung has done an exceptionally good job of molding. inspiring and motivating  players. He exudes confidence as he prepares the team for the first international tournament of 2017, and he  remains positive and optimistic.

The seven-time national league champions of Nepal  take on   unheralded  Afghan Premier champions Shaheen Asmayee FC in the opener. It maybe recalled that the Kabul based team created history by  becoming  the first Afghan outfit to participate in the Asian Football Confederation Cup 2019 qualifying round  

Less than a month ago they  played against Tajikistan’s Hosilot FC and did  well despite  losing 0--1 and drawing 0-0 in the first and second leg matches respectively.There are a talented and  a physically  dominant side.

Although  MMC will go in as the clear  favorite against the Afghan  Club, Coach Gurung cannot afford to undermine the opposition’s   determination and must-win attitude. It is imperative that  they get off to a flying start and find momentum and confidence early on.                       

Then they are up against  host and defending champions Chittagong Abahani  and Dhaka Mohammedan SC. It is always a great challenge going against the home sides.For that matter, they have to consistently perform  at a high level to stay in contention.

The other group consists of  Dhaka Abahani(Bangladesh), FC Alga Bishkek ( Kyrgyzstan), Pocheon Citizen Football Club ( South Korea) and  Trust and Care Sports Club(Maldives).

The tournament provides promising youngsters a chance  to  shine and showcase their talent. They must seize this  opportunity, do their best  and take the club forward. Hopefully, MMC can have  a good run in Chittagong. I look forward to it.