Magyar Kupa Final: Budafok or Zalaegerszeg; a new name will adorn the famous trophy

The engravers of Budapest will be etching a new name on the famous Magyar Kupa trophy tomorrow evening as either Budafok or Zalaegerszeg will lift the Cup for the first time.

Unlike their opponents Budafok, Zalaegerszeg has appeared in one previous final, losing in 2010 to Debrecen. Not only are Budafok appearing in their first Cup final, the capital side are the first from NB2 to make it to the final since MTK Budapest in 2012.  Budafok will be hoping to go one better than MTK who lost on penalties, also to Debrecen.

The second division side have been boosted by the news that star striker Péter Beke, who scored a hat-trick in the semi-final demolition of Vasas, is fit to play.  Budafok managers János Mátyus confirming at this pre-match press conference that Beke had been rested at the weekend to ensure his availability for the final.

Twenty-two-year-old Beke has enjoyed an incredible season for Budafok since his arrival from HSV II, and has especially come to live in the Magyar Kupa.  The dangerman has hit 6 goals and provided one assist in his four cup appearances so far.  Another goal tomorrow night would see him score in every round of the competition.

Out to crush Budafok’s dreams is newly re-installed Zalaegerszeg manager Gábor Boér. Boér, who previously coached ZTE between July 2020 to March 2021 was re-hired less than two weeks ago following the surprise dismissal of Ricardo Moniz.

The new-old head coach also spent time as Budafok manager following his initial spell with ZTE and will view the clash as an unexpected opportunity to win a piece of silverware.

Led by Patrik Demjén in goal and with talents such as Mátyás Tajti and Eduvi Ikoba in their ranks, ZTE will be favourites to bring home the trophy.

But football has a funny old way of reminding us that favourites don’t always succeed and it would take a brave man to rule Budafok of the running pre-kick off.

The game kicks off at 7.30pm and will be broadcast live on M4 Sport.