Ulaangom City Wins 2023 National Amateur Cup

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The 2023 National Amateur Cup concluded on 8 August with Ulaangom City winning the title. This year, a total of nine clubs participated with the field consisting of established independent clubs, several reserve sides, a provincial squad, and some new entrants. There was a lot to play in the competition with the MFF announcing that the top three finishers will feature in the upcoming Second League season.

The season was organized quickly, with a deadline of 26 July for clubs to register for the competition. The first Group Stage matches were played on 2 August. All matches were played at the Khan-Uul Stadium.

Following the group stage, as winners of Group B, Ulaangom City faced Group A runner-up New Yarmag in the first semi-final. Ulaangom advanced with a convincing 5-1 victory. On the other side of the bracket, The "Blue Boys" of Khökh Zapuus FC defeated the "Blue Wolves" of Khökh Chononuud B on penalties to reach the final.

Ultimately, Ulaangom City, lead by head coach P. Buyanhishi, edged Khökh Zapuus FC 1-0 to win the title. New Yarmag defeated Khökh Chononuud B in the bronze medal match to secure the final promotion place.

Baga Toirog FC had perhaps the worst showing in the tournament with four defeats in as many matches and a -28 goal difference. The club, which was founded in 2015 and has fielded youth sides since 2016, entered a senior football competition for the first time. The club has experienced great success in futsal, winning the national youth championship in 2018 and 2019.

Ulaangom City players took home the individual awards for top scorer, midfielder, and defender while the Khökh Zapuus FC goalkeeper took top prize in that category.

Individual Awards

Top Scorer: N. Sainbuyan (Ulaangom City)-17 goals in the competition

Best Midfielder: R. Sodnomragchaa (Ulaangom City)

Best Defender: Ch. Battogtokh (Ulaangom City)

Best Goalkeeper: B. Tulgudor (Khökh Zapuus FC)

Within a few days of the competition final, several of Ulaangom City's top players have been snatched up by clubs higher in the pyramid, leaving the team's roster uncertain entering the new season. Midfielder E. Amarsana has gone on loan to MPL club Khangarid FC: Best Defender Ch. Battogtokh has joined Alliance ZHR of the First League on loan; and top scorer Sainbuyan has gone on loan to Khovd FC. Top midfielder R. Sodnomragchaa has been loaned to Mazaalai FC of the First League.

Full Results

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Group Stage Standings

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