Manang's opponent TC Sports, who got promoted to the top flight, the Dhivehi Premier League, for the first time in 2015 after winning the second division crown the previous year, are confident of their title-winning prospects.
“It won’t be an easy game. It will be the toughest game and we are prepared to show the same consistency that we had put up in the last three matches. Our target is to win the match,” said TC Sports head coach Nizam Mohamed during the pre-match press conference on Sunday.
TC Sports may be a new addition in the Maldives top tier, but they have strengthened the squad over the last few years. They began their Club Cup campaign with a surprise win over Bangladesh Premier League champion Dhaka Abahani Limited on the opening day.
They finished top of Group A with seven points.
“When we got confirmation of our participation, I have been teaching the players. I am lucky to have some experienced players who played at national level. They also played AFC Championship. There are some young players and they are up for the semi-finals. I am really happy that they are ready for the semi,” added Nizam.
Manang Marshyangdi, on the other hand, are one of the most successful clubs in Nepal's domestic football scene, winning a record seven Nepal A-Division League titles.
However, their journey to the last four has been anything but easy as they narrowly finished second in Group B with four points.
“Every coach hope to win a semi-final. I think we will give them (opposition) a good fight. Both teams are favourite to win the match. The team will come out who create more chances and avail them in the match because two teams have same strength,” said Manang coach Chiring Lopsang Gurung.
He added, “We are not physically equal with the Maldivian club and everything depends on how the tactics work. So we will do our best to capitalise the opportunities. We have watched them and are mulling a strategy to destroy their plan.”
Meanwhile, the second semi-final between reigning champion Chittagong Abahani of Bangladesh and South Korean club Pocheon Citizen FC will be held at the same venue on Tuesday evening.
Thursday, June 04, 2026
