MMC record seventh straight victory; TAC win

Kathmandu, December 10

Olawale Afeez scored the solitary goal as Signature Manang Marshyangdi Club defeated Machhindra Football Club 1-0 in the Pulsar Martyrs Memorial A Division League here at the ANFA Complex grounds today.

MMC extended their winning streak to seven matches and also maintained the three-point lead over Ruslan Three Star Club. MMC have 21 points, while Three Star are second with 18. CMG Club Sankata, who also have 18 points, are third on inferior goal difference. Machhindra (three) are 13th,  ahead of NRT in 14-team table.

At a time when the match was heading towards a goalless draw, Afeez scored the goal in the 85th minute from the crowded d-box following a cross from Mictor Kamhuka. Afeez’s goal saved the day for MMC, who earlier missed a penalty in the 70th minute. Machhindra goalkeeper Deep Karki saved Anjan Bista’s strike from the spot after Sahid Adleza was brought down insidew the penalty box.

Machhindra almost went ahead in the second minute but Bishal Rai made a feeble attempt which did not trouble MMC goalkeeper Bishal Shrestha. Deepak Rai came close to opening the scores for MMC two minutes later but Machhindra custodian Karki rescued his team. Dona Thapa of MMC failed to utilize a free kick just outside the box in the 15th minute.

In the 21st minute, Anjan Bista’s attempt on a pass from Dona Thapa went inches wide, while Ajit Gurung of Machhindra wasted a chance in the 29th. Machhindra keeper Karki saved Bista’s header on a pass from MMC skipper Biraj Maharjan and the glovesman denied Bista two minutes before the break.

In another match, Tribhuvan Army Club registered their fifth victory of the league beating Brigade Boys Club 1-0. Tanka Basnet scored the solitary goal of the match. After a goalless draw, Basnet headed home following a pass from Tek Bahadur Budhathoki in the 67th minute.

TAC, the only second unbeaten team in the league after MMC, accumulated 17 points from seven matches. They are at the fourth position. BBC, who suffered their fifth defeat, have four points. TAC skipper Bharat Khawas came close to scoring on two occasions but he could not find the back of the nets.