A new chapter is ready to be written in Pokhara's football history. The 25th edition of the Aha-Rara Pokhara Gold Cup football title battle will be fought between the hosts Sahara Club and Jawalakhel Youth Club at the Pokhara Stadium on Saturday.

On one hand, there is Sahara, which dreams of bringing the title home after 12 years, and on the other hand, Jawalakhel, which is eager to reach the final after 14 years, is eager to win the title. Sahara wants to repeat history, to create Jawalakhel. 

Sahara's journey to the final was not easy. Sahara reached the final by defeating Nepal Police in the quarterfinals and Manang Marsyangdi Club in the semifinals in consecutive deaths. While both Police and Manang are the most successful six-time title winners. This ability to maintain morale in moments of pressure has become Sahara's greatest strength.

But one weak point is also clearly visible, finishing. Coach Sunil Rana Magar himself admitted that the team continues to concede goals despite creating good chances. However, he said that the main goal in the final is to improve on that weakness.

Sahara has another strong point, the home field and the enthusiasm of the players. Captain Sushil Lama is a product of the Sahara Academy. For him, this title is not just a trophy, but an opportunity to repay an emotional debt to the academy. Coach Magar, who won the title as the manager of the same club 12 years ago, is now determined to repeat the same title as a coach. ‘We won 12 years ago, after the same 12 years, the river will return, we will win again,’ he said at a press conference on Friday.

Jawalakhel’s journey has been relatively consistent and impressive. Jawalakhel has presented a model of excellent sports performance by defeating Machhindra in the pre-quarterfinals, Church Boys in the quarterfinals and Uzbekistan’s defending champion Ava FC 1-0 in the semifinals. Defeating the Uzbek team has raised the morale and confidence of Jawalakhel players to the highest point.

According to coach Sunil Kumar Shrestha, Jawalakhel’s strength lies in their balanced team structure. The team is equally strong in defense, midfield and striker line. Even though he had to play with 10 men when a player got a red card in the semifinals, he does not seem worried. He says that it doesn't matter because the players on the bench are also of the same level. 'The main problem of Nepali football is finishing,' he said, 'The one who scores the first goal in the final has a high chance of winning the title.'

Jawalakhel, who lost to Manang in 2068 and became the runner-up, will take the field this time to heal the wound of 14 years ago. Captain Yunesh Chaudhary said, 'Fourteen years ago we were the runners-up, this time we are on target to be the first.' Both coaches have agreed on one thing, finishing will be decisive. It is rare for a goal to be scored within 90 minutes in Nepali football and this trend can make this final tight and exciting. If the game goes to extra time or sudden death, there is a psychological advantage in favor of Sahara. They have already faced such pressure twice.

Both teams have indicated that they will play an aggressive style of play. This means that the final could be open and exciting, which will be a great experience for the spectators. The role of the home crowd will also be important. Thousands of spectators in Pokhara will support Sahara, which is an additional psychological challenge for Jawalakhel. But Jawalakhel coach Shrestha considers this normal and has expressed confidence in the high morale of the players.

The winner will receive Rs. 1.4 million and the runner-up will receive a trophy along with Rs. 7 million and 1 thousand. Last year, the Black Bulls Football Club of Uzbekistan won the title. This year, Abha participated with the same players from the Black Bulls.